May 11, 2025 — A sea of faithful pilgrims and worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday to witness Pope Leo XIV deliver the Regina Caeli prayer in his second official public appearance since his election as the 267th pope. The noon prayer, addressed from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, marked a significant moment for the Catholic Church, with thousands in attendance eager to see the new pontiff in person.
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV is the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. A former missionary in Peru and an Augustinian, Leo is seen by many as a humble and thoughtful leader. His appearance drew a global crowd, with priests, nuns, and youth groups from various nations, some playing guitars and singing hymns. Flags waved high, including that of the United States, a nod to Leo’s origins.
Among the pilgrims was 68-year-old Resfina Macoy Torrevillas from San Diego, California, who expressed hope for renewed strength in the Church under Leo’s guidance. “We’re hoping for a good year, because the Catholic Church is challenged right now, especially in the USA,” she said. “God moves in mysterious ways.”
During a speech to cardinals on Saturday, Leo referred to himself as a “humble servant of God” and an “unworthy successor to St Peter.” His words reflected a deep reverence for the role he now occupies and set a tone of humility and service for his pontificate.
Leo’s approach and direction are already becoming apparent. He has paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at age 88, praising his example of service and simplicity. On Saturday evening, Leo visited Francis’s simple tomb at Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four papal basilicas and a favorite church of the late pope. Earlier that day, he visited the Basilica of the Mother of Good Counsel, underscoring his dedication to the Augustinian order and its values of community and collaboration.
Described as mild-mannered and attentive, Leo is expected to follow in the progressive footsteps of Pope Francis, while bringing his own emphasis on mission work and care for the marginalized. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, remarked that Leo “inspires a lot of confidence” and noted the “enthusiastic” public response.
Sunday’s prayer launched a busy week of public engagements. On Monday, Leo will be formally introduced to the international press, followed by a meeting with Vatican-accredited diplomats on Friday. He will preside over the inaugural Mass of his pontificate on May 18, followed by his first general audience on May 21.
In a sign of careful deliberation, the pope has chosen to maintain the current heads of Vatican dicasteries, opting to spend time in prayer and dialogue before confirming or making new appointments.
Leo’s papal responsibilities also include a formal tour of the city’s four major basilicas. His next visit will be a return to Santa Maria Maggiore on May 25, as he continues to establish his role in the Church’s historic seat.
Appointed cardinal in 2023 by Pope Francis and head of the influential Dicastery of Bishops, Leo XIV was relatively unknown to the broader public prior to his election. Yet his missionary work in Peru, where he gained citizenship and fluency in Spanish, showcased his dedication and global perspective—qualities he brought to his first papal address from the Basilica balcony, delivered in Spanish.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, he carries with him the hopes of Catholics worldwide seeking unity, compassion, and a renewed sense of faith.
