“Evil will not prevail” Pope Leo XIV delivers powerful first message of peace and unity

In his first public address following his historic election, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful and deeply moving message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica that captured the hearts of millions around the world. With the words “Evil will not prevail,” the first American-born pope set the tone for a papacy rooted in hope, humility, and bridge-building.

“God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! We are all in the hands of God. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we move forward,” Pope Leo XIV declared, drawing applause from the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square and viewers around the globe.
Echoing the legacy of Pope Francis, the newly elected pope paid tribute to his predecessor’s message of inclusion and peace. “Peace be with you all! This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarmed peace, a disarming, humble, and persevering peace,” he said.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected at the conclusion of the papal conclave and has already drawn attention for his emphasis on dialogue, unity, and mission. Identifying himself as “a son of Saint Augustine,” he urged the global Church to be “a missionary Church… open to receive like this square with open arms.”

His call for bridge-building, compassion, and fearless proclamation of the Gospel has resonated widely, especially as the world faces political unrest, war, and social division. “Help us too, then, each other, to build bridges… uniting us all to be one people always in peace,” he urged.

As the successor of Peter, Pope Leo XIV assumes leadership at a time of great global transformation. His words, rooted in faith and resilience, signal a papacy that will continue the mission of mercy and reform while guiding the Church with clarity and conviction.