In his first major public address since becoming pontiff, Pope Leo XIV issued a passionate plea for peace on Sunday, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to global conflicts during his appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Chicago-born pope, speaking to tens of thousands of cheering faithful in St. Peter’s Square, invoked the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end—which claimed 60 million lives—as he condemned modern warfare. “In today’s dramatic scenario of a third world war in pieces, I address the powerful of the world: No more war!” declared the 69-year-old pontiff, echoing his predecessor Francis’ warnings.
Leo XIV specifically demanded a “genuine, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and expressed deep sorrow over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, urging the release of hostages and unfettered aid access for civilians. His words resonated with pilgrims like Alejandrina Espinosa, a 59-year-old Quechua woman from Peru, who tearfully told AFP: “He awakened Christianity for the forgotten peoples… We are killing each other.”
The former missionary, born Robert Prevost, humbly referred to himself as an “unworthy successor” to St. Peter during a Saturday meeting with cardinals. His early actions—including an unannounced prayer at Francis’ tomb and retention of Vatican department heads—signal continuity with his reformist predecessor’s legacy while projecting a more conciliatory style.
Cardinal Pizzaballa of Jerusalem noted Leo’s “mild, listening” demeanor has already inspired confidence, as the Church looks to him to heal internal divisions and address geopolitical crises. The pontiff’s packed inaugural week includes a media presentation Monday and an inaugural Mass on May 18, with his multilingual fluency (including Spanish from his 20 Peruvian mission years) bolstering global outreach.
