Pope Leo XIV, in his first Sunday address since his election on May 8, made a fervent plea to world powers for peace, urging “no more war” to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Speaking in fluent Italian, the new pontiff called for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas. He also welcomed the fragile India-Pakistan ceasefire, negotiated overnight, and prayed for the “miracle of peace.”
“No more war!” Pope Leo declared, echoing the sentiments of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, and commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. He reiterated Francis’s description of today’s world as living through “the dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal.”
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Tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square and along the Via della Conciliazione responded with applause to the Pope’s call for peace. Leo expressed his heartfelt concern for the “suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine” and urged negotiations for an “authentic, just and lasting peace,” hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine.
The Pope also voiced his “profound sadness” over the war in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages. He expressed hope that the India-Pakistan ceasefire would lead to a lasting accord. “But there are so many other conflicts in the world!” he lamented.
Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the first U.S.-born pontiff, though relatively unknown on the global stage before his election. He served as a missionary in Peru for decades before becoming a cardinal and taking on a senior Vatican role two years ago. Notably, in all of his appearances since his election, Leo has not mentioned the country of his birth, drawing criticism from some U.S. conservative commentators.
The address coincided with a previously planned pilgrimage to Rome by marching bands from around the world. Before the Pope spoke, the crowd was entertained by bands playing songs like Y.M.C.A., the theme from “Rocky,” and John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Peruvian Gladys Ruiz, who lives in Rome, hailed Leo as a “Peruvian pope,” calling his election “a great honour for us.” Leo holds dual citizenship, having gained Peruvian citizenship in 2015. Dennis Gilligan and his wife Maureen from Boston, Massachusetts, also attended, celebrating their anniversary
