Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Peace in Inaugural Address
Pope Leo XIV has called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and pleaded for an end to global conflicts, which he likened to a third world war in pieces. In his first Sunday address at the Vatican, the new pontiff urged an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza, along with the release of all hostages. He welcomed the truce between India and Pakistan and referenced the end of the Second World War in 1945.
Appearing at a window of the Apostolic Palace, Leo blessed tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square and echoed pleas for peace made by his predecessor, Pope Francis. He addressed the world's great powers by repeating the ever-present call: "Never again war," he implored.
This was Pope Leo's first public appearance at the palace since stepping out onto the balcony after a two-day conclave that elected him as the 267th pope. Previously a little-known cardinal, Robert Prevost, 69, is now the first US leader of the Catholic Church.
Vatican observers noted that Leo delivered his blessing from the central balcony, rather than the studio window used by his predecessors. He wore a simple white cassock without the formal red cape, and instead of reciting the Latin 'Regina Caeli' prayer, he sang it.
"I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people," he stated. "Let everything possible be done to achieve genuine, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible." Amid renewed international pressure on Russia to halt hostilities, Leo called for the release of war prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children to their families.
The pope also urged a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israeli forces have continued their strikes, and emphasized the need for humanitarian aid for the exhausted civilian population suffering from severe food and medicine shortages.
Notably, Leo highlighted that many countries celebrated Mother's Day on Sunday, extending his well-wishes to all mothers, including those in heaven.
Earlier in the day, he celebrated a private mass in the grottoes beneath St. Peter's, which contain the tombs of previous popes. On Saturday, Leo made a pilgrimage across Rome to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis, who broke with tradition by requesting to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Leo's formal installation mass is scheduled for next Sunday, May 18.
Related Sources: