The curtains were barely drawn before a warm, steady voice echoed across the world from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. “Peace be with you all!” were the first words of Pope Leo XIV, a humble, bold son of Saint Augustine, to a world aching for stability, dialogue, and unity. In a message that felt more like a heartfelt homily than a formal speech, Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected successor of Peter, set the tone for a papacy rooted in peace, humility, and bridge-building. His voice carried echoes of his predecessor, Pope Francis, whose Easter blessing to the world still resounds in the memories of many: a quiet, compassionate reminder that God loves us, and evil will not prevail. With arms stretched wide like the very square before him, Pope Leo XIV addressed not just the faithful gathered in Rome but every person across the globe — believers and nonbelievers alike.
“This is the peace of the Risen Christ,” he said, calling it “a disarmed peace and a disarming, humble and persevering peace.” In an age of division, polarisation, and war, these words were more than symbolic. They were a call to conversion, to reconciliation, and to action. Drawing on his Augustinian roots, the new pope reminded the world, “With you I am a Christian, and for you a bishop.” It is a message of shared humanity and servant leadership that resonates deeply in a Church increasingly challenged to be present not only within its walls but at the margins of society. Pope Leo XIV’s first address was peppered with familiar themes of Pope Francis’s pontificate — a missionary Church, open arms, bridges over walls — but his voice bore its own accent, one shaped by intellectual depth and pastoral closeness. His emphasis on unity, “hand in hand with God and among ourselves,” points to a future where the Church is both contemplative and active, steadfast in truth yet tender in approach.
There was no hint of triumphalism. Instead, there was thanksgiving — to Pope Francis, to the College of Cardinals, and to the people. The applause that erupted when he addressed the Church of Rome was more than ceremonial; it was a spontaneous expression of hope in the man who now takes the helm of Peter’s boat amid stormy seas. His message was clear: the world needs Christ, the light who leads, and the Church must help bring this light to all through presence, charity, and dialogue. He called on all people to be “missionaries”, not only in preaching, but in the lived witness of faith, justice, and mercy. Pope Leo XIV did not just speak to the world; he invited the world into communion. With gentle authority, he framed his vision for the Church as one of encounter — of open arms, listening hearts, and untiring steps toward peace. As he stepped back from the balcony, the words lingered like incense: “Peace be with you.” And in those words, a world found not only a new pontiff, but a renewed promise.
Analysis of Pope Leo XIV’s first words
Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural address conveyed a strong message of peace, unity, and hope. Here are some key aspects of his words:
Essential elements
Peace and Unity: Pope Leo XIV emphasised the importance of peace, citing the greeting of the Risen Christ. He called for unity among people, families, and nations.
God’s Love: He highlighted God’s unconditional love for humanity, emphasizing that evil will not prevail.
Discipleship: Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful that they are disciples of Christ, who precedes them, and that the world needs His light.
Bridge-Building: He encouraged the faithful to build bridges through dialogue, encounter, and unity.
Missionary Church: Pope Leo XIV called for a missionary Church that is open, charitable, and engaged in dialogue.
Tone and Style
Warm and Inclusive: His tone was warm, welcoming, and inclusive, addressing the global audience as “brothers and sisters.”
Spiritual Depth: Pope Leo XIV’s words reflected a deep spiritual understanding, drawing on Scripture and the teachings of Saint Augustine.
Gratitude: He expressed gratitude to Pope Francis and the cardinals who elected him.
Implications
Continuity and change: Pope Leo XIV’s message suggested a continuity with Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy, dialogue, and outreach.
Global outreach: His words implied a commitment to global evangelisation and building bridges across cultures and faiths.
Church renewal: The call for a missionary Church that is open and charitable may indicate a renewed focus on ecclesial renewal and pastoral outreach.
By and large, Pope Leo XIV’s first words set a tone of hope, peace, and unity, emphasising the importance of faith, dialogue, and mission in the Church’s journey forward.
… Nigerian Bishops congratulate Pope Leo XIV, offer prayers
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has officially congratulated His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the new Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. In a statement issued on Thursday by the President of the Conference, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, the bishops expressed their deep joy and unity with Catholics around the world in welcoming the new Pope.
Archbishop Ugorji praised the successful completion of the Conclave and commended the dignified and prayerful process that led to the election of the new Bishop of Rome. On behalf of all the Catholic bishops in Nigeria, as well as Christ’s faithful and people of goodwill, he offered “heartfelt congratulations” to Pope Leo XIV and assured him of the Church in Nigeria’s prayers, allegiance, and support as he begins his Petrine ministry.
The statement also recognised the contributions of the College of Cardinals in the election process, making special mention of Nigeria’s own Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, who participated in the conclave. “This papal transition showcases the Church’s commitment to dignity, honor, and spiritual discernment,” Archbishop Ugorji noted, emphasizing the example the Church offers to the world in handling such monumental decisions with grace and reverence.
The bishops invited all Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation, to pray for Pope Leo XIV, that God may grant him the wisdom, courage, and grace necessary to shepherd the global Church. Archbishop Ugorji also encouraged Catholic priests across the country to offer the Votive Mass of Thanksgiving for a New Pope in their parishes. “May God bless Pope Leo XIV and the entire Catholic Church,” the message concluded. This joyful announcement comes amid continued Easter celebrations, marking a hopeful and prayerful beginning to the new papacy.
