The Scoop: Pope Leo XIV humanizes himself with introduction

White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel on May 8, signaling the Bishop of Rome had been chosen after just two days of conclave.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, soon greeted a crowd of people eagerly waiting to hear his first words as the new leader of the Catholic church.

Born Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicagoan, former Bishop of Peru and a Villanova University graduate, he addressed the people warmly, with a message of peace and bridging gaps across the world.

He spoke in Italian and Spanish, a nod to his Latin ties, and honored the late Pope Francis by offering him thanks.

CBS’ English translation of Pope Leo XIV’s first address showed his deeply human message.

From the report:

“I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you!

“Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward. We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us too, and then each other to build bridges, with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people always in peace.”

Why it matters: Pope Leo XIV’s first message signaled unification – not a stretch from a spiritual leader, but a crucial point to make as he introduced more than himself during times of political polarization and geopolitical conflict. He was introducing how he would lead, offering reassurance and peace.

The new leader also greeted the Vatican crowd in both Spanish and Italian, a symbol that diversity and openness are paramount to how he will lead the Church.

In his first mass on Friday, the New York Times reported that Leo XIV aligned himself with “ordinary people,” a further sentiment to show that he’s guided by humanness as he begins his leadership over more than 1.4 billion Catholics across the world.

Spiritual leaders additionally shared their interactions with the new pope, specifically his dedication to the working class and his rejection of the rich and powerful, further affirming his message of peace, unity and bridge building.

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Courtney Blackann is a communications reporter. Connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at courtneyb@ragan.com.