Pope Leo XIV has called for an end to war around the world during his second official public appearance as leader of the Catholic Church, addressing tens of thousands from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday.
“Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!” declared the first American-born pontiff, receiving cheers and flag-waving from the crowd in St. Peter’s Square.
In his address following a prayer to the Virgin Mary, the new pope referenced the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and echoed Pope Francis’s warnings of a fragmented global conflict.
“In today’s dramatic scenario of a third world war in tatters, as repeatedly stated by Pope Francis, I also address the powerful of the world, repeating the ever-timely appeal: No more war!” he said.
He also urged a “genuine, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and expressed sorrow over the Israel-Hamas war, calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian support for civilians. “Humanitarian aid must be provided to the exhausted civilian population and all the hostages must be freed,” he added.
Tens of thousands gathered to witness the appearance of Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, who spent much of his life as a missionary in Peru. He was elected the 267th pope on Thursday and has pledged to heal internal Church divisions and confront modern challenges.
Addressing the cardinals on Saturday, Leo described himself as a “humble servant of God… and nothing more than this,” and called himself an “unworthy successor” to St. Peter.
Among the crowd was Alejandrina Espinosa, a 59-year-old from Peru’s Quechua community, who said the new pope had “stolen our hearts” for his dedication to marginalized communities during his mission work.
Earlier on Sunday, the pope celebrated Mass at the tomb of St. Peter in the Vatican Grottoes. He later paid a private visit to the simple marble tomb of Pope Francis at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, one of Francis’s favorite churches.
Pope Leo has signaled that his leadership will build on the legacy of Pope Francis, embracing simplicity, dedication to service, and outreach to the poor. Cardinals have described him as someone who listens, inspires confidence, and remains devoted to missionary work.
His official schedule begins Monday with a media introduction and includes meetings with Vatican diplomats and Church officials. On May 18, he will preside over his inaugural Mass, and his first general audience will take place on May 21. He has confirmed that the current Vatican department heads will remain in place for now.
What you should know
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a former missionary in Peru, used his first major public appearance to call for global peace and an end to war.
Echoing the legacy of Pope Francis, Leo emphasized humanitarian aid for Gaza, peace in Ukraine, and unity within the Church.
His early actions and words suggest a pontificate focused on service, inclusivity, and bridging divisions.
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