VATICAN CITY — In his first major public address as pope, Leo XIV on Sunday, May 11, 2025, issued a forceful call for global peace, urging an end to war and conflict as he greeted tens of thousands gathered at St Peter’s Square from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace.
“Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!” proclaimed the 69-year-old pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, as he addressed the cheering crowd below.
“In today’s dramatic scenario of a third world war in tatters, as repeatedly stated by Pope Francis, I also address the powerful of the world, repeating the ever-timely appeal: No more war!”
The address marked Pope Leo’s second official public appearance since being elected by the College of Cardinals on Thursday as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
His message echoed that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had frequently warned of global conflict and rising division in his final years before his death last month at age 88.
Speaking after a prayer to the Virgin Mary, Pope Leo referenced the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, reminding listeners of the human cost of conflict.
“We must learn from history,” he said, calling for “a genuine, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and expressing sorrow over the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
“Humanitarian aid must be provided to the exhausted civilian population and all the hostages must be freed,” he said, in remarks that balanced spiritual leadership with pointed geopolitical concern.
Before emerging to the crowds, the new pope celebrated Mass in the Vatican Grottoes near the tomb of St Peter. Later, in an address to cardinals on Saturday, he described himself as “a humble servant of God… an unworthy successor” to the apostle and first pope.
His humility and modesty, along with a missionary background in Peru, have endeared him to many in the Catholic world.
His appearance in St Peter’s Square drew pilgrims and worshippers from around the globe, including groups of young people singing and waving flags, and clergy mingling with the faithful.
Among them was 59-year-old Alejandrina Espinosa, a member of the Quechua community in Peru, who said Pope Leo “awakened Christianity” through his missionary work.
Pope Leo has already signalled continuity with Pope Francis, who made him a cardinal in 2023 and appointed him to lead the Dicastery of Bishops.
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Leo made an unannounced visit to Santa Maria Maggiore, where he prayed at the simple marble tomb of his predecessor.
In early comments on his papal vision, Leo spoke of the Church’s mission to reach the “forgotten and desolate,” stressing a need for “missionary conversion” and a commitment to “sobriety of life” — hallmarks of Francis’s papacy.
Observers have described Leo as more understated in style than his predecessor, but similarly committed to social justice and global engagement.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, said Leo “immediately inspires a lot of confidence,” calling him “a mild man who knows how to listen.”
Pope Leo’s official inaugural Mass will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at St Peter’s Basilica. He is scheduled to meet international journalists on Monday and will address diplomats accredited to the Holy See on Friday.
His first general audience will take place on May 21, and a meeting with members of the Roman Curia is set for May 24.
In one of his first administrative decisions, the pope confirmed that all heads of Vatican dicasteries will remain in their positions for now — a move intended to ensure continuity following the end of Francis’s papacy.
As the first pope from the United States and a citizen of both the U.S. and Peru, Leo XIV’s elevation marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, one that many hope will blend pastoral compassion with geopolitical sensitivity.
Whether his call for “no more war” will gain traction among the world’s powers remains uncertain.
But among those gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, the message was met with standing applause — and renewed hope.
