Pope Leo XIV delivers his first Sunday address and Regina Caeli prayer from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, May 11, 2025. Tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to hear the newly elected pope call for peace across the globe
In his first Sunday address since being elected pontiff, Pope Leo XIV issued a heartfelt appeal for global peace, urging the world’s major powers to bring an end to conflicts and work toward “authentic and lasting” reconciliation.
Standing before tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and along the Via della Conciliazione, the newly elected pope echoed the cries of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, with a powerful declaration: “No more war!”
Leo XIV, elected on May 8, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, renewed negotiations for peace in Ukraine, and the release of all Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. He also welcomed the overnight ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, praying that it would lead to lasting peace between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
“We are living through the dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal,” Leo said, repeating a phrase coined by Francis. Despite the solemn tone, the crowd responded with spontaneous applause, inspired by the pope’s call for hope and reconciliation.
The pontiff spoke with evident emotion, saying he carries in his heart “the suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine,” and welcomed a proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin for direct talks with Ukraine. Leo urged both sides to pursue an “authentic, just, and lasting peace.”
Turning to the Middle East, Leo said he was “profoundly saddened” by the devastation in Gaza. He appealed for an immediate halt to hostilities, the provision of humanitarian aid, and the safe release of hostages.
“But there are so many other conflicts in the world,” he added, acknowledging the widespread suffering caused by war across the globe.
Pope from the Americas
Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is the first U.S.-born pope in history. Though a relatively unknown figure before his election, he brings decades of pastoral experience, including years of missionary work in Peru. He rose to prominence in the Vatican only recently, having been appointed to a senior leadership role two years ago.
In a moving moment, Pope Leo led the traditional Regina Caeli prayer from the Loggia delle Benedizioni — the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica — as marching bands played in celebration of the new pontiff