In a powerful appeal for peace, newly elected Pope Leo XIV addressed tens of thousands of people from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, urging world leaders to end war and violence across the globe.
The Chicago-born pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, marked only his second public appearance since becoming the 267th leader of the Catholic Church. With warmth and humility, he greeted the crowd with, “Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!” – drawing cheers, applause, and flag-waving from a diverse sea of pilgrims.
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Pope Leo didn’t shy away from global issues. Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, he echoed Pope Francis’s warning of a “third world war in pieces” and passionately declared, “No more war!” He pleaded for peace in war-torn regions like Ukraine and expressed deep sorrow over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“A genuine, just and lasting peace is needed,” he said, calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, humanitarian support for Gaza’s civilians, and the release of all hostages.
A Humble Start
Before addressing the crowd, Pope Leo celebrated Mass at the altar near the tomb of St Peter, deep within the Vatican Grottoes. His early actions show a commitment to faith, humility, and service. Speaking to cardinals the day before, the 69-year-old referred to himself as an “unworthy successor” to St Peter and a “humble servant of God.”
Crowds flocked to the Vatican, many moved by his long history of missionary work in Peru, where he spent over 20 years serving remote communities. One pilgrim, Alejandrina Espinosa from Peru’s Quechua community, said tearfully, “He stole our hearts. This pope turned his work to the forgotten and desolate.”
Continuing Francis’s Legacy
Pope Leo paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at age 88. In a quiet and emotional moment, he visited Francis’s simple marble tomb inside Santa Maria Maggiore, a church deeply loved by the late pope.
He has promised to follow Francis’s path of service, simplicity, and care for the poor. Known for his calm, thoughtful nature, Pope Leo is already being seen as a unifier — someone who listens, inspires trust, and bridges divides within the Church and beyond.
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What’s Next?
The pope begins a busy schedule starting Monday, meeting the international media. On Friday, he’ll meet diplomats to the Vatican, and on Sunday, May 18, he will officially begin his pontificate with an inaugural Mass at St Peter’s.
He will hold his first general audience on May 21 and meet Vatican officials on May 24. So far, Pope Leo has decided to keep the current heads of Vatican departments in place.
As the world watches closely, hopes are high that Pope Leo XIV will be a voice of compassion, peace, and unity in these challenging times.
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