Pope Leo XIV Urges Peace in First Public Blessing

In his first Sunday noon blessing from Saint Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt plea for global peace, calling for an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. From the iconic loggia, the newly elected pope declared, “No more war!” as he urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Leo echoed the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, describing today’s numerous conflicts as a "third world war in pieces." The Pope also acknowledged Mother’s Day, extending warm wishes to mothers worldwide, including “those in heaven.”

Thousands gathered in Vatican City for the special event, which coincided with a Jubilee celebration featuring marching bands and the ringing of the basilica’s bells. The faithful, eager to see the first U.S.-born pontiff Robert Francis Prevost welcomed him with enthusiasm. Previously a missionary in Peru and an Augustinian, Leo was elected on Thursday as the Church’s 267th pope, a choice shaped by hopes that he would unify a divided Church and respond to contemporary global issues.

In an address to cardinals, the 69-year-old pope described himself as a “humble servant of God” and an “unworthy successor to Saint Peter.” He paid tribute to the legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, noting that his own leadership would be guided by Francis’s example of service and simplicity.

On Saturday, Leo visited Francis’s tomb at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and made a surprise trip to the Augustinian Basilica of the Mother of Good Counsel, demonstrating his pastoral devotion. He is seen as following in Francis’s footsteps, with a focus on social justice, the poor, and the global periphery of the Catholic Church.

Though his personal style is reportedly more reserved than that of Francis, who was known for his bold reforms and candid manner, Leo is described as deeply spiritual and attentive. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York praised him as a man of profound prayer and sincerity, noting that his moral integrity offers true hope not political slogans or media strategies.

Leo’s upcoming schedule includes a formal introduction to international journalists, meetings with diplomatic envoys, and his inaugural Mass at Saint Peter’s on May 18. His first general audience is set for May 21, followed by meetings with Vatican officials on May 24.

In one of his initial actions, Leo announced that current heads of Vatican dicasteries would remain in place temporarily while he takes time to reflect and consult. On May 25, he is expected to visit Santa Maria Maggiore again as part of his ceremonial visits to Rome’s four papal basilicas.

Appointed cardinal in 2023 and previously head of the Dicastery of Bishops, Leo is known mainly within ecclesiastical circles. However, his two decades of missionary work in Peru where he gained citizenship and fluency in Spanish deeply shaped his pastoral and spiritual vision, a quality evident in his first papal address.