Pope Leo offers his first ‘Regina Caeli’ blessings from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Leo XIV held his first “Regina Caeli” prayer at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Sunday.

The newly elected holy father delivered the message just hours after visiting the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

“In the first days of the new Ministry that the Church has entrusted me with, I desired deeply to be here to continue this mission as the Successor of Peter,” expressed the pope.

He also had a special message for young Catholics concerning vocations, stating, “Do not fear! Embrace the Church’s call and that of Christ the Lord!”

In his inaugural official speech as pontiff on Saturday, Leo communicated a compelling message to the College of Cardinals, cautioning about the significant new ethical challenges brought forth by artificial intelligence (AI). He urged the Catholic Church to rise to the occasion and tackle these issues with moral integrity and decisive measures.

Pope Leo XIV meets the College of Cardinals in the New Synod Hall at the Vatican, Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP)

A former missionary and head of the Dicastery for Bishops, Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, speaks English, Spanish and Italian and was widely seen as a unifying choice after the death of Pope Francis. His decision to take the name “Leo” connects his mission with Pope Leo XIII’s focus on social justice.

Reuters contributed to this report.