In a powerful and emotional debut message to the world, Pope Leo XIV stood before a crowd of more than 100,000 people in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, delivering a heartfelt appeal for peace amid growing global conflict.
Just days after his election on May 8, the first American-born pope—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost—used his inaugural Regina Caeli address to urge an end to wars across the globe. “No more war!” he cried from the Vatican’s central balcony, echoing the words of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis.
Pope Leo made direct calls for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of Israeli hostages still held by the militant group Hamas. His appeal came just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested direct negotiations with Ukraine, raising hopes for an end to the bloody three-year conflict.
“The world is living through what feels like a Third World War fought in fragments,” Leo said, referencing Pope Francis’s often-used phrase. He described the suffering in Ukraine as being close to his heart and encouraged diplomatic solutions that would bring justice and lasting stability.
Turning his attention to the Middle East, the pontiff expressed sorrow over the ongoing war in Gaza. He called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid, and the safe return of hostages. His message resonated with the crowd, many of whom broke into applause during his speech, despite its somber tone.
Pope Leo also praised the recently brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling it a step in the right direction. However, he emphasized that a permanent solution must follow: “We must pray for a true accord between these two nuclear powers, and for the many other conflicts that too often go unnoticed.”
This first public address coincided with a lively international marching band festival already planned in Rome. Bands played joyful songs like “Y.M.C.A.” and the Rocky theme just before the pope spoke, bringing a festive spirit to a poignant occasion.
Among the pilgrims was Gladys Ruiz, a Peruvian woman living in Rome, who referred to Leo—who also holds Peruvian citizenship—as “our pope.” Meanwhile, American couple Dennis and Maureen Gilligan traveled from Boston for their anniversary and found the experience deeply moving. “I missed seeing Pope John Paul II when he came to Boston in 1979,” Dennis said. “I’ve regretted it all my life. This moment made up for it.”
Though Pope Leo has yet to mention the United States in any official capacity—a silence that has sparked criticism from some American conservatives—his global message of unity and peace has already begun to define his papacy.
