Pope Leo XIV has appealed for an end to armed conflict in his first Sunday message from St Peter’s Square since his election as pontiff. Speaking to the thousands gathered beneath the basilica’s central balcony, he called for authentic and lasting peace in Ukraine and urged a halt to hostilities in Gaza, along with the liberation of all Israeli captives.
Drawing on memories of World War II’s conclusion, the new pontiff recalled his predecessor’s description of current strife as akin to a “third world war in fragments”. He cautioned that such widespread turmoil undermines human solidarity and called on political leaders to commit to genuine reconciliation.
This marked his debut appearance on the loggia where he was first introduced just days earlier. The atmosphere was celebratory, with Jubilee weekend festivities—including marching bands and tolling bells—echoing across the Vatican. Pope Leo, the first pontiff to hail from the United States, also took a moment to extend Mother’s Day greetings to mothers everywhere, including those who have passed away.
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Earlier on Sunday, the 69-year-old led a private Mass beside the tomb of St Peter, traditionally regarded as the Church’s first leader. The grottoes beneath the basilica, which house relics and burial sites of former popes such as Benedict XVI, provided a solemn setting for the service.
On Saturday, Pope Leo made an unannounced visit to St Mary Major Basilica to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis, marking his first public outing since his election. During his inaugural formal audience, he warned that emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—pose fresh challenges to labour rights, justice and human dignity. He encouraged the Church to lead efforts in addressing these modern threats.
As he embarks on his papacy, Pope Leo’s early addresses have underscored themes of peace, solidarity and moral leadership—signalling a commitment to guide the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic community through a turbulent era.
