Just hours after his historic election, newly appointed Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance outside the Santo Uffizio Palace — and it was one for the books.
In a series of widely shared Instagram posts, verified by NBC News, the new pope was seen warmly greeting crowds gathered outside the Vatican. As the video captures, chants of “Viva il Papa!”—which means “Long live the Pope!”—rang out through the square as Pope Leo approached the faithful.
One especially touching moment stole the show when a young girl asked the pope if he could sign her book. With a smile, he playfully replied, “I need to test the signature. The old one doesn’t work anymore,” prompting laughter and applause from those nearby.
After signing, he gently placed his hand over the girl’s head to offer a blessing, before continuing to greet others in the crowd—this time switching to Spanish, showcasing his personal warmth and connection with the diverse global audience.
The video has quickly gained traction across social media, signaling a hopeful and human beginning for Pope Leo XIV’s papacy.
