The first American Pope’s initial words for the world reveal themes to his leadership: peace, hope, and unity.

"I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world. Peace be with you!"

With his first public appearance before the world, Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for an “unarmed and disarming” peace. Collected in this beautiful edition are the sermons and speeches Pope Leo XIV has delivered since his May 8, 2025, election, including:

• his First Apostolic blessing, delivered to the Central Loggia of the Vatican Basilica
• “Called to Be a Light of Hope,” his video message to the young people of Chicago and the whole world
• “The compass of natural law,” his Address to Members of the International Inter-Parliamentary Union
• and more.

These initial addresses convey some of Pope Leo XIV’s priorities: the primacy of God, communion in the Church, and the pursuit of peace. His countless calls for reconciliation are addressed not only to politics, but to the heart of every person: “Peace begins with each of us: from the way we look at others, listen to others, speak about others.” He shows us that unity is possible, and it begins in our hearts.

In his own words, Pope Leo XIV welcomes us all into communion and calls us to act to protect our shared humanity and our precious home.