Augustinian, missionary, in Peru for many years. First North American Pope, US. Robert Francis Prevost is the new pontiff. He chose the name of Leone XIV. In the square an explosion of enthusiasm and the expectation of the first words of the new pontiff. US but with missionary roots in Latin America, Prevost enjoyed the utmost trust of Pope Francis who had wanted him to lead the congregation of bishops. Gestures of greetings with their hands the first ones that the new pope turned to the crowd that awaited him since the news of the white smoke had been widespread. Visibly excited Leone XIV made his debut speaking of peace.
“Peace is with all of you”, his first words. “Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave life”. Peace was Leone XIV’s first thought. “Peace is with you,” repeated again.
“An unarmed and disarming peace, humble” who comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally “. He immediately quotes Pope Francis.” The pope who blessed Rome and gave his bim at the whole world “, that morning of the urbi et orbi, with his weak voice.” Allow me to follow up on that blessing “, he says.” God loves us all and the evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God and ending, without fears, united hand in the hand between us and with God we go on. Christ precedes us, the world needs his light “. And he asks everyone to build bridges with dialogue to” be a single people in peace “. The square explodes when Leo XIV says” thanks to Pope Francis “. And then he thanks the cardinals for choosing him as a successor Di Pietro” to always seek justice and work without fear to proclaim the Gospel, to be miserable “.
“I am Augustinian,” he says and adds: “I am a Christian with you and for you bishop and in this sense we can all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared us”. At the Church of Rome a special greeting and the request to seek together as being a missionary church. Then he speaks in Spanish to greet all those who are in the square, in particular of his diocese of Peru, that of Chiclayo, who accompanied him as a bishop. “We want to be a synodal church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, always tries charity, always tries to be close to those who suffer”. And then he makes everyone play the Ave Maria because, he remembers, “Today is the day of the plea at the Madonna of Pompeii”. “Our Mother Maria always wants to walk with us, stay close to us and help us with her intercession”.
