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Pope Leo XIV’s first public appearance took place on May 8, 2025, after his election as pope. It was not a live event: you can watch a full replay of the Habemus Papam coverage or a shorter clip of his balcony appearance. The replay includes the election announcement and Leo XIV’s first address, so it also reveals the result.
When did Pope Leo XIV appear?
Leo XIV appeared on the evening of Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Vatican City, shortly after the cardinals elected him. For viewers in the United States, his first public appearance was in the early afternoon:
| U.S. time zone | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Eastern | 1:12 p.m. |
| Central | 12:12 p.m. |
| Mountain | 11:12 a.m. |
| Pacific | 10:12 a.m. |
These are conversions of the reported announcement time, about 7:12 p.m. in Rome. Times can look different in records because they may refer to separate points in the sequence: the Vatican calendar lists the Habemus Papam event at 6:15 p.m.; the white smoke, election, formal announcement and new pope’s appearance followed in turn. The calendar listing is not the time Leo stepped onto the balcony. See the Vatican’s May 2025 calendar and the account from L’Osservatore Romano.
Where to watch the replay
- Full coverage: Watch the long-form Habemus Papam replay for the public events around the announcement and Leo’s appearance.
- Quick clip: Watch the shorter balcony video focused on Leo emerging and speaking.
- Official context: Read Vatican News’ report on Leo XIV’s election and first words.
The video links are hosted on YouTube; availability can change. If a video is unavailable in your region or has been removed, the Vatican News report and Vatican calendar provide written context.
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What happened in Leo XIV’s first public appearance?
After white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the cardinals had elected a pope, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti appeared on the central loggia—the main balcony—of St. Peter’s Basilica. He delivered the traditional Latin announcement Habemus Papam, meaning “We have a pope,” and introduced Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV.
Leo then came out onto the loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square, greeted the crowd, spoke briefly and gave his first Urbi et Orbi blessing. The phrase means “to the city and the world”; it names a papal blessing addressed to Rome and Catholics and people around the world. The appearance is the traditional public introduction of a newly elected pope. Vatican News recounts the announcement and balcony address.
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The conclave’s secret voting was not televised. Public coverage showed events around the election, including the smoke, announcement and new pope’s appearance—not the cardinals’ private deliberations. Vatican Media’s coverage guide describes its public-event coverage.
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Prevost, who was born in Chicago, became the first pope from the United States. That precise description is clearer than “first American pope,” which can mean the first pope from anywhere in the Americas. His life and ministry were not limited to the United States: he spent much of his church career in Peru as a missionary and bishop. The Associated Press account of his election notes the U.S. distinction.
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What were Pope Leo XIV’s first words?
His opening greeting was: “Peace be with all of you!” He also acknowledged Pope Francis and spoke about peace and unity as he addressed the people gathered in the square and the wider Church. For the full context, watch the replay or read Vatican News’ account.
How this differed from Leo XIV’s later firsts
“First appearance” usually means the May 8 balcony debut immediately after the election. It was distinct from the later liturgical and ceremonial milestones:
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- May 9, 2025: First Mass with the cardinals.
- May 11, 2025: First Sunday blessing.
- May 18, 2025: Mass marking the beginning of his pontificate.
- May 25, 2025: Formal installation on the Episcopal See, as listed in the Vatican calendar.
The dates appear in the Vatican’s 2025 schedule for Pope Leo XIV. These were later events, not part of his first public appearance.
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Is Pope Leo XIV’s first appearance still live?
No. It took place on May 8, 2025. The linked YouTube videos are replays, not live broadcasts.
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What does “Habemus Papam” mean?
It is Latin for “We have a pope,” the traditional announcement made after a pope is elected.
Was this Pope Leo XIV’s first Mass?
No. The May 8 event was his first public appearance and address. His first Mass with the cardinals was May 9, 2025.
Was Leo XIV the first pope from the Americas?
The precise distinction is that he was the first pope from the United States. He was born in Chicago and later served in Peru.
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