First Greeting and Blessing Urbi et Orbi of Pope Francis
Pope Francis13 March 2013
The words Pope Francis spoke from the central loggia of St Peter’s Basilica on the evening of his election, before and after his first blessing.
The text is a transcript of what Francis said to the crowd in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday 13 March 2013. He speaks throughout as bishop of Rome, prays for his predecessor, whom he calls “our Bishop Emeritus”, and asks the people to pray for him before he gives the blessing. See Benedict XVI Resigns and Francis Is Elected.
Cited in
- 11 February 2013, firm date