Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States, called for an immediate halt to wars across the globe in his first official Sunday address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. His words, which echoed the calls of his predecessor Pope Francis, resonated deeply with the tens of thousands of faithful who gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
The new pope, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, urged the global community to pursue a “genuine, just and lasting peace,” particularly highlighting the ongoing crises in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. Pope Leo XIV, who was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church during a secret conclave earlier in the week, also expressed profound sadness over the violence in the region, specifically the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
“Humanitarian aid must be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and all hostages must be freed,” Pope Leo XIV emphasized, stressing the urgency of providing assistance to those suffering from the ongoing violence.
The address came after the pope, in a show of humility, referred to himself as “nothing more than a humble servant of God” and an “unworthy successor” to St. Peter, underlining his modest approach to leadership. The pope’s humble message aligned with his reputation as a missionary who dedicated over two decades to serving in Peru, often working with marginalized communities.
A Call for Unity and Peace
In addition to his remarks on global conflicts, Pope Leo XIV invoked the memory of World War II, the 80th anniversary of which was recently observed, drawing a parallel between the horrors of that global conflict and the current state of international violence. In a moment of reflection, he called for a world where the devastating lessons of history are not repeated. “No more war,” he declared, in a heartfelt appeal directed at the world’s powerbrokers.
Personal Reflections and Early Visions
Pope Leo XIV’s second appearance as pontiff demonstrated a blend of deep faith and urgent action. His presence was marked by a strong sense of connection with the global community, as Catholics from all corners of the world arrived in Rome to witness his public appearance. Among the crowd was Alejandrina Espinosa, a 59-year-old Peruvian Catholic, who expressed hope that the new pope would help unite religions to address the global humanitarian crisis. “He stole our hearts,” Espinosa remarked, highlighting Leo’s deep ties to his missionary roots in Peru.
Honoring Pope Francis’ Legacy
As the Catholic Church adjusts to a new era under Pope Leo XIV, the 69-year-old pontiff made a poignant tribute to his late predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025. Reflecting on Francis’ dedication to service and simplicity, Leo vowed to carry forward his legacy, emphasizing a commitment to the poor, the disadvantaged, and the global Church’s far-flung communities.
Leo’s leadership is expected to be guided by a focus on compassion, outreach to the marginalized, and the missionary conversion of the Christian community. His early decisions, including maintaining key Vatican appointments, signal a focus on stability within the Church’s leadership.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Papacy
As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, the global faithful are watching with high hopes for his ability to navigate the complexities of a fractured Church and a turbulent world. His upcoming engagements, including meetings with diplomats and media presentations, will further define the trajectory of his leadership. The inaugural mass on May 18, 2025, will mark the official beginning of his pontificate, setting the stage for a papacy aimed at unity, healing, and a renewed commitment to global peace.