Pope Leo XIV's former diocese reacted with jubilation when it was announced that their former bishop had been named the new head of the Catholic Church, and it was all captured on video. The post WATCH: Leo XIV’s Former Diocese Reacts to Announcement He’s the New Pope Like Sports Fans Winning a Championship first appeared on Mediaite.

The pontiff held his first meeting with the news media at the Vatican and called on reporters to choose “the path of communication in favor of peace.”

For years before becoming Pope Leo XIV — as a parish priest and then bishop in Peru — Robert Prevost built ties with interfaith environmental networks and Indigenous organizations to place forest protection and rights at the center of Church concern.

Faviana Azalda Castro was confirmed by Pope Leo XIV when he served as bishop in her hometown of Chiclayo, Peru. Now, the junior at Xavier is reminiscing on his work and hoping his title showcases her home.

Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States, addressed a crowd outside St. Peter’s Basilica: “Peace be with you all.”

Tens of thousands of faithful Catholics gathered in St. Peter’s Square to watch Pope Leo XIV deliver the first Sunday blessing of his pontificate exactly at noon.