Pope Leo XIV’s first ‘Urbi et Orbi’ speech, blessing

Here are the first words of Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church

MANILA, Philippines – Pope Leo XIV, the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered his first “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) speech and blessing on Thursday, May 8 (Friday, May 9, Manila time).

The newly elected pontiff’s first words were delivered from the central balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, shortly after he was introduced.

Born Robert Prevost, the successor of the late Pope Francis hails from the United States and is the first American pontiff.

He was elected after a two-day conclave that began on Wednesday, May 7.

A total of 133 cardinal electors voted in the conclave, including three from the Philippines: Luis Antonio Tagle, Pablo Virgilio David, and Jose Advincula. A vote of at least two-thirds, or 89 cardinals, was needed to be elected.

Watch the Pope’s first “Urbi et Orbi” speech and blessing in the video above. – Rappler.com