In his first Regina Caeli prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude to the faithful for their affection and asked for their prayers and closeness. “Just a few days ago, I began my ministry among you, and above all, I wish to thank you for the affection you are showing me; at the same time, I ask you to sustain me with your prayer and closeness,” he said on 25 May 2025.
Thousands of people had gathered in St. Peter’s Square, waving flags from various countries and holding signs that read “Long live Pope Leo XIV!” The pope acknowledged that in everything the Lord calls us to, we sometimes feel inadequate. However, he emphasized that we must focus on the mercy of the Lord who has chosen us, confident that the Holy Spirit guides us.
Pope Leo XIV reflected on the apostles’ fear on the eve of the Master’s death, noting that Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, freeing them from anxiety and fear. He explained that if we remain in God’s love, He dwells in us, and our lives become a temple of God. The pope emphasized that God reveals himself especially in the small, the poor, and those who suffer, asking us to be attentive and compassionate Christians.
Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to carry God’s love everywhere, entrusting this mission to the intercession of the Virgin Mary. “He accompanies me with his Spirit, enlightens me, and makes me an instrument of his love — for others, for society, and for the world,” he said. The pope concluded by inviting the faithful to walk in the joy of faith, becoming a holy temple of the Lord.