Pope Leo XIV delivers his blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for his first Sunday blessing after his election, May 11, 2025.

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV, history’s first North American pope, said Friday that his election was both a cross and a blessing as he celebrated his first Mass in Sistine Chapel. Leo spoke off ...

Pope Leo XIV gave his first Sunday noon blessing since being elected as pope and called for a genuine and just peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

It was the first time that Leo had returned to the loggia since he first appeared to the world on Thursday evening following his remarkable election as pope.

Pope Leo XIV delivers his blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica for his first Sunday blessing after his election, May 11, 2025. Author: NICOLE WINFIELD and GIOVANNA DELL'ORTO ...