Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American Augustinian originally from Chicago, formerly a bishop in Peru, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, who was elected pope today (May 8, 2025) and took the name Leo XIV, in his greeting after the election expressed words that could become a motto for the second stage of our diocesan synod:
"We must together seek how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, leads dialogue, and is always open to receive, like this square with open arms, everyone, everyone who needs our love, our presence, dialogue, love... We want to be a synodal church, a church that walks, a church that always strives for peace, always strives for love, always tries to be close especially to those who suffer."
We bring you a working translation of the entire introductory speech of the Pope (Vlastimil Kadlec Omi):
Peace be with you all!
Dear brothers, dear sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for God's flock. I also wish that this greeting of peace may enter our hearts, into your families, to all people, wherever they may be, to all nations, throughout the earth. Peace be with you all. This is the peace of the risen Christ. A disarming and disarming peace, humble, persevering peace. It comes from God. The God who unconditionally loves us all.
We still have in our ears the weak but still brave voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome. The Pope blessing Rome was giving his blessing to the world, to the whole world. On that last Easter morning. Allow me to continue with the same blessing. God loves us. God loves you all, and evil will not triumph. We are all in God's hands.
So without fear, united, hand in hand with God and one another, let us move forward. We are disciples of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as a bridge to God and his love. Therefore, help us to build bridges through dialogue, meetings, and unity so that we may be one people, always in peace. I thank Pope Francis.
I also want to thank all my brother cardinals who chose me as Peter's successor so that I may walk with you as a united church that always strives for peace, always strives for justice, always tries to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, to proclaim the gospel without fear and to be missionaries.
I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian, and Augustine said, "with you I am a Christian, and for you, I am a bishop." In this sense, we can all walk together toward that homeland which God has prepared for us.
I send a special greeting to the Roman Church. We must together seek how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, leads dialogue, and is always open to receive, like this square with open arms, everyone, everyone who needs our love, our presence, dialogue, and love.
And allow me also a word, a greeting to all, but especially to my friends in the Peruvian diocese of Chiclayo, where the faithful accompanied their bishop, shared their faith, and gave so much, so much, to continue being a church faithful to Jesus Christ.
To you all, brothers and sisters from Rome, from Italy, and from all over the world: we want to be a synodal church, a church that walks, a church that always strives for peace, always strives for love, always tries to be close especially to those who suffer.
Today is a day of petitions to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, to be close to us, to help us with her intercession and her love. I would like to pray together with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, but also for the whole church, for peace in the world, and let us ask for this special grace from Mary, our Mother.
