Message from Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva.
“Peace be with all of you!”
With profound gratitude to God and in communion with the entire Church, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See joins the universal Church in celebrating the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Successor of Saint Peter and Bishop of Rome. In his first address to the Church and the world, the Holy Father greeted us with the words of the Risen Christ: “Peace be with all of you!” a greeting that reminds us of the unarmed and disarming peace that comes from God alone, a peace he described as “humble and persevering”. This moment is one not only of renewal, but of continuity and gratitude. We remember with affection and deep respect the life and ministry of Pope Francis, whose voice “weak but always courageous,” as Pope Leo XIV recalled, remains etched in our hearts.
Pope Leo XIV has already set the tone for his pontificate, urging us to build bridges, unafraid to go to the margins. “To build bridges with dialogue, with encounter, uniting all of us to be one people always in peace,” he appealed. Here in Geneva, where the Holy See collaborates with the international community in its work for human dignity, disarmament, health, humanitarian response, and human rights, we are especially encouraged by the Pope’s assurance that “God cares for us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail.” In the spirit of Pope Leo XIV, and in grateful memory of Pope Francis, we renew our dedication to the service of peace, dialogue, and the common good. We entrust this journey to Mary, Queen of Peace.