The following is the full first speech of Pope Leo XIV, given from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica shortly after his election as the new pope and leader of the Catholic Church.

The announcement that an American cardinal had been elected Roman Catholic Church’s 267th pope had special meaning for a group of students at an international Catholic school in Rome

The man who is now known as Leo XIV becomes the 267th Bishop of Rome and the successor to Francis, one of the most liberal and controversial Catholic leaders ever. Leo’s own politics are thought to be more moderate.