Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, made a powerful call for world peace during his second public appearance since being elected the new head of the Catholic Church. Speaking from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, he addressed tens of thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square.
“Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!” he said with a smile, as flags waved and cheers echoed around the Vatican. The Chicago-born pope wasted no time in calling out the violence across the globe. After praying to the Virgin Mary, he reminded the crowd of the 80th anniversary of World War II and said the world is now witnessing “a third world war in tatters,” repeating the words of Pope Francis.
“No more war!” Pope Leo XIV declared from the balcony.
Pope Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza and Peace in Ukraine
In his address, Pope Leo XIV asked global leaders to end the violence in Ukraine and Gaza. He urged for a “genuine, just and lasting peace” and showed deep concern over the rising humanitarian crisis.
“Humanitarian aid must be provided to the exhausted civilian population and all the hostages must be freed,” he said, referring to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
As his predecessor Pope Francis did, Leo stressed the need for peace and unity during this difficult time.
The New Pope’s Mission and Emotional Reactions from the Crowd
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV spent over 20 years as a missionary in Peru before becoming pope. Many Peruvians who came to see him in Rome were emotional and hopeful about his mission.
“He stole our hearts, because he awakened Christianity,” said Alejandrina Espinosa, 59, from Peru’s Quechua population. “I hope that this pope can unite all religions to save the world, because humanity is living a humanitarian crisis.”
Earlier that day, Pope Leo celebrated mass at the altar near St Peter’s tomb in the Vatican Grottoes.
Leo Pledges to Continue Pope Francis’ Legacy
Pope Leo XIV said he would continue the legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at age 88. He praised Francis for his “complete dedication to service and to sober simplicity of life.”
Leo’s schedule is already full. He will meet the media on Monday, host diplomats on Friday, and lead the inaugural mass at St Peter’s on Sunday, May 18.
On May 21, he will hold his first general audience, a weekly tradition involving scripture reading and a message to the public. Later, on May 24, he plans to meet with Vatican officials and the Roman Curia.
In a key decision, Pope Leo has announced that current leaders of Vatican departments will remain in their posts for now. These positions had been left in limbo after Pope Francis’s death and before Leo’s election.
Leo was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 and had served as head of the Dicastery of Bishops, a role responsible for advising the pope on bishop appointments.
He also holds Peruvian citizenship and speaks fluent Spanish, which he used during his first address last Thursday.
Pope Leo XIV Begins with a Message of Hope and Unity
From his call for global peace, to his commitment to the work of Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV has made his mission clear: peace, service, and unity. His strong words and compassionate tone have already touched the hearts of many around the world.
