Good evening!
You know that the duty of the conclave was to provide Rome with a bishop.
It looks as if my brothers the cardinals went to fetch him from the end of the world! I’d like to thank you for your welcome.
The people of Rome: thank you!
I’d like to pray for Benedict XVI. Let’s pray altogether for him so that the Madonna can look after him.” [Then Pope Francis said the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the Hail Mary.]
Glory to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.
And now let’s start working together, walking together, in the Church of Rome.
This is the path of brotherhood and trust.
Let’s pray for each other because of the great brotherhood of the world.
I pray the path will be fruitful for this beautiful city.
Now I will bless you. But I’d like to ask you a favour, for your prayer to bless me as your bishop. Let’s pray silently, your prayer for me.
I am going to bless you all and the entire world – all the men and women of good will. (He blesses the people.)
I’m going to leave you now. Good night, and I wish you peace.
– The first words of Jorge Mario Bergolio: Pope Francis