The first American Pope’s words for the world reveal
themes to his leadership: peace, hope, and unity.
"I would like this greeting of peace to resound in
your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every
nation and throughout the world. Peace be with you!"
With his first public appearance before the world, Pope Leo
XIV expressed hope for an “unarmed and disarming” peace. Collected in this
beautiful edition are the sermons and speeches Pope Leo XIV has delivered since
his May 8, 2025, election, including:
- his
First Apostolic blessing, delivered to the Central Loggia of the Vatican
Basilica
- “Called
to Be a Light of Hope,” his video message to the young people of Chicago
and the whole world
- “The
compass of natural law,” his Address to Members of the International
Inter-Parliamentary Union
- a
special preface addressing U.S. readers
- and
more.
These first addresses convey some of Pope Leo XIV’s vision for the future: the
primacy of God, communion in the Church, and the pursuit of peace. His
countless calls for reconciliation are addressed not only to politics, but to
the heart of every person: “Peace begins with each of us: from the way we look
at others, listen to others, speak about others.” He shows us that unity is
possible, and it begins in our hearts.
In his own words, Pope Leo XIV welcomes us all into
communion and calls us to act to protect our shared humanity and our precious
home.
About the Author
Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14,
1955, in Chicago. In 1977, he entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint
Augustine; on August 29, 1981, he made his solemn vows, and on June 19, 1982,
he was ordained a priest.
In 2001, he was elected Prior General of the Order. In 2015,
he was appointed Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him
Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission
for Latin America.
He was created cardinal on September 30, 2023. He was
elected Pope on May 8, 2025 and took the name Leo XIV.
