According to the Vatican Information Service, the following is the English translation of the first public address of the newly elevated Pope Francis:
Dear brothers and sisters,
Good evening. You know that the duty of the Conclave was to give Rome a bishop. It seems that my brother cardinals picked him from almost the ends of the earth. But here we are! I thank you for the warm welcome. The diocesan community of Rome has its bishop. Thank you! First and foremost I would like to say a prayer for our Bishop Emeritus Benedict XVI. Let us pray together for him, that the Lord bless him and the Virgin keep him.
After leading the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Gloria, Pope Francis again addressed the crowd saying:
And now let us begin this journey, bishop and people, this journey of the Church of Rome, which is the one that leads all the churches in charity. A journey of fraternity, of trust between us. Let us always pray for one another. Let us pray for the world so that this might be a great brotherhood. I hope that this journey of the Church that we begin today, and in which my Cardinal Vicar here present will assist me, will be fruitful for the evangelization of this beautiful city.
Now I would like to impart the blessing, but first, first I ask a favor of you. Before the bishop blesses the people, I ask that you pray to the Lord that He bless me: the prayer of the people asking a blessing for their bishop. Let us pray in silence, this your prayer for me.
He then bowed his head, while the tens of thousands gathered at St. Peter's Square (as well as the millions watching on TV and internet throughout the world) prayed for the new Pope.
Now I will impart the blessing to you and all the world, to all men and women of good will.
After imparting the apostolic "Urbi et Orbi" ("to the city and to the world") blessing, Pope Francis added:
Brothers and sisters, I take my leave. Thank you for your warm welcome. Tomorrow, I'm going to pray to the Virgin, that through her intercession, all of Rome will be safeguarded. Good night and rest well.
He then retired for the day, while many in the crowd chanted "Francesco! Francesco!"
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