In his first Sunday blessing since his election as Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful appeal to world leaders, calling for an end to global conflict and the pursuit of lasting peace.
Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter’s Square, the newly elected Pontiff addressed thousands gathered below, urging for a ceasefire in Gaza and a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. He also praised the recent peace agreement between India and Pakistan, calling it “a hopeful sign in a troubled world.”
“We must strive for a lasting peace,” Pope Leo said, “not only in Ukraine and Gaza, but wherever violence and hatred persist.”
The Pope then led the faithful in reciting the Regina Caeli prayer, traditionally offered in honour of the Virgin Mary during the Easter season.
The 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church was chosen on Thursday following a two-day conclave of cardinals in Vatican City. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away last month. On Saturday, Leo visited a shrine outside Rome and later prayed before Francis’ tomb at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
In remarks to cardinals that same day, Pope Leo described himself as “an unworthy choice” for the papacy, but pledged to carry on the “precious legacy” of his predecessor. He underscored his commitment to missionary work, dialogue, and the Church’s outreach to the marginalised.
“The least and the rejected must never be forgotten,” he emphasized.
The new pontiff also explained his choice of name, saying he drew inspiration from Pope Leo XIII, the 19th-century reformer known for his pioneering teachings on social justice. He noted that today’s world with its rapid technological shifts and growing inequality, makes the Church’s mission more urgent than ever.
“In an era of artificial intelligence and scientific advancement,” he said, “the Church remains a necessary defender of human dignity and justice.”
Pope Leo will be formally inaugurated during a public Mass in St Peter’s Square on May 18.
His whirlwind first week as Pontiff has included his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, multiple high-level meetings, and growing signals of a papacy likely to focus on compassion, reform, and peace-building.
