The Popes’ first words: mirror of the times and vision of the pontificate

From the emotion of John XXIII to the communicative break of Francis, the phrases pronounced at the balcony of St Peter’s tell the soul of the Church and anticipate the style of subsequent pontificates

It is the most solemn moment in the life of the Catholic Church: the election of a new Pope is proclaimed to the world with the historic Latin phrase ‘Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus Papam!’ from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. But if the announcement is ceremonial, the new pontiff’s first words are often much more revealing: they reveal his temperament, priorities and the spirit of the pontificate about to begin.

John XXIII: the good Pope and the smile of the turning point

On 28 October 1958, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, Patriarch of Venice, became Pope John XXIII. Addressing the crowd, he smiled simply, thanked the Roman people and said in a moved voice: ‘My heart is full of emotion’. Those good-natured words paved the way for a pastoral revolution that culminated in the Second Vatican Council. Initially considered a ‘transitional’ Pope, John XXIII instead impressed a profound human and spiritual turning point, earning himself the nickname ‘Good Pope’.

Paul VI: trepidation and service in modernity

On 21 June 1963 it was the turn of Giovanni Battista Montini, who chose the name Paul VI. His style was more sober and reflective. To the crowd he said: ‘We present ourselves to you with a heart full of trepidation’, presenting himself as ‘a humble and faithful servant of the universal Church’. With him the conciliar path started by Roncalli was completed, at a time of profound political and religious changes.

John Paul I: simplicity and a smile in 33 days

On 26 August 1978, Albino Luciani was elected as John Paul I. His speech was disarming in its humanity: ‘I found myself in the lions’ den,’ he said with irony and a shy smile. His pontificate, which lasted just 33 days, was among the shortest of the century, but those words already told of a Church eager for closeness, authenticity and accessible language. He remained in the heart as the ‘Pope with a smile’.

John Paul II: a Pope from afar who conquered the world

On 16 October 1978, Karol Wojtyła became the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years. With an uncertain but smiling Italian, he said: ‘I don’t know if I could explain myself well in your… our Italian language. If I am wrong, you will correct me!’. The crowd was immediately won over. With him began a long, dynamic, missionary and media pontificate that lasted over 26 years. In his first appearance, Wojtyła showed emotion and awareness: ‘They have called me from a distant country… but close for the communion of faith’.

Benedict XVI: humility and sobriety in continuity with the past

On 19 April 2005, Joseph Ratzinger, a German theologian of great rigour, appeared before Pope Benedict XVI with words of humility: ‘After the great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals elected me, a simple and humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord’. A sober, biblical phrase that reflected his discreet but firm doctrinal style. He concluded with confidence: ‘Let us go forward with the help of the Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary’.

Francis: a ‘good evening’ that made history

On 13 March 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first Jesuit and Latin American Pope. He chose the name Francis and introduced himself with a simple ‘Brothers and sisters, good evening!’. A symbolic, linguistic and pastoral break. No Latin formula, no prepared speech. He asked the prayer of the people before imparting his blessing: ‘I ask you a favour: before the bishop blesses the people, pray for the Lord to bless me’.

That gesture, accompanied by the request to begin together a ‘journey of bishop and people’, was immediately read as a sign of a Church closer to the people, humble, open, synodal. His words traced the direction of a pontificate focused on brotherhood, mercy and mission among the world’s peripheries.

Words that anticipate gestures

In each of these public appearances, the Church showed the face of the time it was in and that of its new leader. It is not just the white smoke that makes history: it is the words spoken at that first, most delicate moment that define the tone, spirit and hope of an entire era.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)