SHALOM… on May 11 th 2025 Pope Leo XIV presided at the Regina Caeli. He gave it from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. This event marked his first public appearance after being elected as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church just three days earlier. The prayer, traditionally recited in the Catholic Church during the Easter season, drew thousands of faithful Catholics to its cause. So when a national search returned Ms.
Pope Leo XIV Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected May 8, 2025. That fateful decision on his papal name came to him on the day of his election. He delivered the announcement from the main loggia, the Loggia delle Benedizioni. It’s the very same spot where he first introduced himself to the American public. The cardinals then met in a secret conclave to elect the new pope. Voting 50/50 between clergy and laity, they deeply considered who should guide the Church into the future.
Impromptu and smiling, during the Regina Caeli prayer, Pope Leo XIV blessed the multitudes in their stalled streetcars with words of hope and encouragement. He struck notes of common purpose and hope. In challenging times, he implored the faithful to fully embody Christ’s teachings in all aspects of their everyday lives. The response to the address has been overwhelmingly positive, with commentators rejoicing over the promising and hopeful direction set by the new pope’s leadership and vision.
Pope Leo XIV presided at the Regina Caeli prayer with special enthusiasm. That same morning, he had given that impromptu exhortation — his first, short homily — at a liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica. Though brief, his message underscored the need for love and compassion to be central to the Church and beyond. He challenged them to a recommitment to service of those who are in need and an advocate for peace among all nations.
The mood at these unveilings was electric, celebratory and full of promise. Many attendees described a sense of optimism surrounding Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, viewing him as a leader who could address current challenges facing the Church. Most think that means lots of outreach and a whole lot of reform. His long pastoral background and experience as a cardinal have contributed to this expectation.
Pope Leo XIV has recently begun his papal mission and… Observers look with great expectation to his initiatives and his messages, looking for a transformative effect on the Church and on its impact on followers of Christ across the world.
