Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt appeal for peace during his first Sunday message to a large crowd in St. Peter’s Square since becoming pope. He called for an end to war, urging for "authentic and lasting peace" in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza. He also emphasized the need to release all Israeli hostages.
In his address, Pope Leo reflected on the devastation of the Second World War, quoting his predecessor, Pope Francis. He described the current state of the world as "a third world in pieces," highlighting the ongoing conflicts that continue to impact countless lives.
This gathering marked the pope’s return to the loggia, the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he first appeared after his election. The crowd, which included marching bands celebrating a special Jubilee weekend, responded with cheers and music as church bells rang out.
As the first American pope, Leo also took a moment to wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day, recognizing the occasion celebrated in the U.S. and other countries. Earlier in the day, he celebrated a private mass near the tomb of St. Peter, the first pope, alongside the head of his Augustinian order.
The tomb of St. Peter is a significant site, as it also holds the remains of past popes, including Pope Benedict XVI. This connection to history adds a layer of depth to the new pope’s leadership and mission.
In his first few days, Pope Leo has already made headlines. On Saturday, he surprised many by visiting the tomb of Pope Francis at St. Mary Major Basilica. During his initial formal audience with the cardinals, he spoke about the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to workers, urging the Catholic Church to take a leading role in addressing these issues.
With a focus on peace and social justice, Pope Leo XIV is setting a tone for his papacy that resonates with many around the world. His call for an end to conflict and a commitment to human dignity is a message that many hope will inspire action and foster unity in these challenging times.