Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural address has elicited diverse views from young people around the world. BETTY AMUKPO puts forward comments from teens on the Pope’s first words, reflecting their thoughts, hopes, and expectations for his Papacy. Excerpts:
‘Pope Leo XIV is a man of peace, unity and love’
Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful and the world, invoking peace and pledging to work for a united Church, faithful to Jesus and the gospel. He also emphasised the love of God for us, and that evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God, so we should work without fear, be united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves. Forward ever because we are Disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us and the world needs His light. Ephesians 4:3 …states the importance of maintaining the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. Pope Leo XIV is a man of peace, unity and love.
• Francis Chibunna Umennadi
‘Pope Leo XVI’s first words give us hope in the risen Lord’
“Peace be with you all…God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail…,” said Pope Leo XIV as he delivered his inaugural speech on his election as a Pope. As Pilgrims of hope, we are called to share the same peace with each other. The Pontiff, Pope Leo XVI’s first words give us hope in the Risen Lord. If you do no wrong, no wrong will ever come to you (Sirach 7:1-2).
• Mokele Anita
‘He’s a peacemaker’
“Peace be with you all!” Those were the very first words of Pope Leo XIV in his inaugural speech. By invoking peace and pledging to work for a united Church faithful to Jesus and to the Gospel, it clearly shows that he’s a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9) and a bridge builder (Luke 4:18 -19) that is going to use the Gospel and peace of Christ to heal the world. The world desperately needs peace, and it’s not the type of peace that the world gives, but our Risen Christ’s type of peace that he gave his disciples upon his resurrection and appearance to them (John 20:19). Like the Pope said: “God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God,” let’s us pray for him to succeed and evil will not prevail against him and the Church of Christ. Amen
• Patricia Oche
‘Pope Leo XIV’s first words inspired faith and unity’
Pope Leo XIV’s first words inspired faith and unity: “Be strong in hope.” Like Romans 12:12 states, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation.” He echoed Isaiah 40:31: “Those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength.” His message reminds us that true hope is rooted in Christ.
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘Pope Leo XIV’s first words to the world were messages of peace and hope’
Pope Leo XIV’s first words to the world were messages of peace and hope. Here’s what he said: “Peace be with you all” and is a wish for peace to enter the hearts of all people, their families, and the entire world. His first words to the world is, “Evil will not prevail”. Pope Leo XIV emphasised that God loves everyone without limits or conditions, and with faith in God, people can work together towards peace and unity. He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, saying “Let us keep in our ears the weak voice of Pope Francis that blesses Rome. The Pope who blessed Rome, gave his blessing to the entire world that morning of Easter. Allow me to follow up on that blessing. God loves us. God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail”.
• According to reports from The BBC news and other news outlets.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘His message stands as a guiding light, calling us to share love and hope’
Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural statement to the world as “Pilgrims of Hope” emphasised the importance of unity and faith in Christ. He probably drew inspiration from Hebrews 11:1, which reminds us that faith is the confidence in what we hope for. As fellow pilgrims, we move together towards spiritual fulfillment, motivated by Romans 15:13, which encourages us to overflow with hope through the Holy Spirit. His message stands as a guiding light, calling us to share love and hope while fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) to disseminate the Gospel. Let us proceed together in faith and solidarity.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘His statement challenged the world to be peaceful, united and loving’
“Peace be with you.” The Pope went on to say “dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth. This statement significantly emphasised : God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are Disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light.
•Okononfua Bryan
‘Pope Leo XIV’s first sermon stressed on faith in which he cited lack of faith among Christians’
Pope Leo XIV’s first sermon stressed on faith, in which he cited lack of faith among Christian.s And he emphasised the need for missionary outreach to curb violations of human dignity in countries lacking faith. Also Hebrews 11:1 states: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
• Eyinade Gideon
‘The Supreme Pontiff acted like Jesus who came and stood among them and said, peace be with you’
A Pontiff is the leader of the Catholic Church worldwide. He is otherwise known as the Pope. He also helps Christians, most especially Catholics to live in the way of Christ. Robert Francis Prevost with the Papal name Pope Leo XIV was born September 14, 1955 and ordained a Priest on June 19, 1982. He was Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru from 2015 to 2023. On September 30, 2023, late Pope Francis elevated him to the position of the Cardinal Bishop of Albano. He was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023 and assumed this position till May 8, 2025 when he was elected the 267th Pope. His first words to the world was said from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and he spoke in three languages:
• Italian: “Pace sia con voi”
• Spanish: “La paz esté con ustedes”
• Latin: “Pax vobis!” (John 20:21) He acted like Jesus who came and stood among them and said, peace be with you (John 20:19).
He emphasised the humble nature of Christ and God’s unconditional love for all humanity (John 20:19). My view of Pope Leo XIV’s first words to the world is a message of peace, unity, and love. He emphasised more on peace and gave examples of the war in Ukraine and Russia, and told them to be peaceful. And with these, there would be unity and love and the Holy Trinity will rest upon us to do this. He also told people to live in harmony and be responsible for each other and love each other because the Bible explains, John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” His words tells us to love one another as God has loved us. Speaking as the leader of the Church to the world to be peaceful, indicates a leader that is indeed, peace-loving. The Church is the voice of the voiceless; living in peace will make our world great with people having compassion for one another and loving their neighbours as themselves. The spirit of God will direct man to be in peace and in truth.
• Anyasor Chibuike Raphael
‘Pope Leo XIV encourages us to be Pilgrims of Hope’
Pope Leo XIV encourages us to be Pilgrims of Hope! This means that we should accompany Jesus and share His love wherever we go. Remember, there’s no need to be intimidated because God is by your side—“I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Even if you are small, God can achieve great things through you! Just as the Bible reminds us: “Let no one look down on you because you are young” (1 Timothy 4:12). So keep smiling, show kindness, and spread God’s light like bright stars!
• Arnold Akalezi
