Pope Leo XIV makes his first address to Cardinals, says 'you have called me to carry the cross'

In his first public remarks as leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV addressed the College of Cardinals on Friday inside the Sistine Chapel, beginning his remarks in English.

"You have called me to be blessed with the mission of leading the Church," he told the gathered cardinals. "I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a Church, as a community of friends of Jesus, as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the Gospel."

Switching to Latin, Pope Leo expressed hope that his election would help the Church shine light in what he called the "dark nights of this world." He pledged to be a "faithful administrator" of the global Church and emphasized unity and shared purpose as he steps into the role of spiritual leader to more than a billion Catholics worldwide.

Speaking to the cardinals, Leo said, “You have called me to carry the cross and to be blessed,” highlighting the serious responsibility that comes with his new position.