No one knew how the new pope would appear on the balcony overlooking St Peter's Square. Would he wear a simple white cassock like Francis? Would he wear the red pontifical vestments like Benedict XVI? What would be the focus of his message?
At 23 minutes past 7pm Rome time, the mystery was revealed: Pope Leo XIV appeared before the world, wearing traditional papal attire: the red mozzetta, a papal stole and gold pectoral cross.
The image recalled those of both Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and marked a very different image from Francis, who appeared wearing white and his own, personal pectoral cross.
He smiled shyly and, briefly, looked like he was trying to restrain his emotion. At one point it seemd he was having difficulty swallowing.
And from gestures to words. The first impression the pope gave was of a peaceful man, perhaps a little introverted, methodical and who thinks before he speaks; a clue to the disposition that Leo XIV might have when it comes to making decisions.
Proof of this is that he had his first greeting prepared in writing. Each sentence seemed to be measured and to have a clear direction. The first one alone could be a preview of one of the programs of his pontificate.
He repeated the word “peace” no less than ten times, and in different contexts. But this one stands out:
This is the peace of the risen Christ, a peace that disarms, humble and persevering.
Leo XIV also mentioned his predecessor, Pope Francis. He recalled the moment when he was last seen in public: the same moment in which the new Pope now found himself.
But the message of continuity, albeit with a new style different from Francis, could be heard with these phrases. He spoke of synodality, peace and charity, three pillars of his predecessor.
To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close especially to those who suffer.
Beyond speaking as the leader of the Church, he spoke as a pastor. He recalled his two dioceses, that of Rome, of which he is now bishop, and Chiclayo, in Peru, the country of which he is a national. In fact, he even spoke in Spanish.
And if I may also say a word, a greeting to all those and in a particular way to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied their bishop, have shared their faith and have given so much, so much to continue to be the faithful Church of Jesus Christ.
These are the first brushstrokes of Leo XIV: the first American pope and the first Augustinian. A pontiff who, in his first appearance, made clear he is a missionary and desires to build bridges of peace.
