Rome, May 11, (dpa/GNA) – The newly elected Pope Leo XIV used his first Sunday address in St Peter’s Square to issue a call for peace, urging an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
From the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, the first pontiff from the United States – the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago – recalled the end of the World War II 80 years ago.
He then addressed the more than 100,000 faithful gathered below with the plea: “Never again war!”
The 69-year-old former missionary in Peru and head of the Augustinian Order was elected on Thursday after a conclave of cardinals lasting less than 24 hours, becoming the 267th pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.
When he stepped onto the balcony, he greeted the crowd with the words, “Peace be with you all,” drawing loud cheers and chants of his name in Italian: “Leone, Leone!”
During Sunday’s Regina Coeli prayer, Leo XIV called for a “just peace” in Ukraine, a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, and the release of Israeli hostages held by Islamist extremists.
He also took a moment during Sunday’s address to wish a happy Mother’s Day to mothers around the world.
On Saturday, he made one of his first trips outside the Vatican to pray at the tomb of his predecessor, pope Francis, inside the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The tomb bears a simple Latin inscription: “Franciscus.” Francis had specifically chosen not to be buried in St Peter’s Basilica, preferring his favourite church in Rome.
On Monday, Leo XIV is scheduled to meet with several hundred journalists who have covered events in the Vatican since Pope Francis’s death on April 21.
His grand inauguration Mass is scheduled for next Sunday in St Peter’s Square. Leaders and dignitaries are expected to attend. US Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, is expected to take part.
New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also likely to attend, potentially using the occasion for a first meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
GNA
PDC