On Sunday, May 11th, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Sunday address after being elected as the pope in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. He urged the world’s major powers to “put an end to war”.
The newly elected Pope, who was elected on May 8th, delivered his speech in fluent Italian. He called for the realization of “true, just, and lasting peace” in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and urged the Palestinian militant group Hamas to release all Israeli hostages.
Leo also welcomed the ceasefire agreement recently reached between India and Pakistan, saying that he is praying for God to grant the world “the miracle of peace.”
The Pope urged, “No more wars!”
He reiterated this call, often issued by the late Pope Francis, and mentioned the recent 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, during which approximately 60 million people perished.
Leo also echoed another statement made by Francis, noting that the world is currently experiencing the “dramatic scenes of a third world war waged piecemeal.”
On St. Peter’s Square and the Via della Conciliazione leading to the Vatican, tens of thousands of people erupted into enthusiastic applause in response to the new Pope’s plea for peace.
Leo expressed concern for the “pain suffered by the dear Ukrainian people” and his deep sorrow over the Gaza conflict.
He also remarked that he was glad to hear about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, “but there are still so many other conflicts in the world!”
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, is the first Pope born in the United States. He was relatively unknown on the world stage before his election, having previously served as a cardinal. He holds dual nationality and obtained Peruvian citizenship in 2015.
After decades of missionary work in Peru, he became a cardinal two years ago and held senior positions at the Vatican.
As Pope Leo delivered his first Sunday address, military bands from around the world were also making their way to Rome as planned. A few minutes before the new Pope delivered his speech, the bands paraded down the wide avenue leading to the Vatican, playing music.
According to Italian authorities, it was estimated that there were over 100,000 people gathered on St. Peter’s Square that day.