The new Pope is Robert Prevost – the first American pontiff – and will take the name Pope Leo
“May peace be with all of you,” he says to thousands gathered below the St Peter’s Square balcony
Prevost, 69, is greeted by huge cheers.
Pope Leo XIV says he wants to deliver his own blessing to the people
The new pope, who continues with a message of peace as he notes “God loves us all, unconditionally”.
He pays tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, as he says he wants to deliver his own blessing to the people as Pope Francis did in his last appearance in St Peter’s Square.
“Humanity needs Christ as a bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us, and help each other, build bridges.”
‘May peace be with all of you,’ Pope Leo XIV tells crowds
