Pope Leo XIV urged an end to global conflicts as he addressed crowds from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, May 11, marking his second official public appearance since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church.
“Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!” declared the first American pontiff, greeting tens of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square. The crowd responded with cheers, applause, and waving flags in a festive atmosphere.
The Chicago-born pope spoke fervently about worldwide conflicts after offering a prayer to the Virgin Mary, noting the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II—a war that claimed 60 million lives.
“In today’s dramatic scenario of a third world war in tatters, as repeatedly stated by Pope Francis, I also address the powerful of the world, repeating the ever-timely appeal: No more war!” he implored from the balcony.
Reiterating the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, he advocated for a “genuine, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and expressed profound grief over the violence in the Gaza Strip, calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“Humanitarian aid must be provided to the exhausted civilian population and all the hostages must be freed,” he added.
Leo’s appearance attracted a vast crowd eager to see the new pope, born Robert Francis Prevost, who dedicated much of his life to missionary work in Peru.
Selected as the 267th pope during a confidential conclave, Leo has been tasked with bridging divisions within the Church, rekindling faith among the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, and tackling urgent contemporary challenges.
In a speech to cardinals on Saturday, the 69-year-old pontiff referred to himself as a “humble servant of God… and nothing more than this,” and an “unworthy successor” to St Peter.
Sunday’s event drew pilgrims from across the globe, carrying flags and Catholic symbols. Priests, nuns, and youth groups gathered in the square, some playing guitars and singing while awaiting the pope’s address.
Among the attendees was Alejandrina Espinosa, 59, from the Quechua community in Peru, who cried upon learning of Leo’s election.
“He stole our hearts, because he awakened Christianity. The pope turned his work towards the forgotten, desolate peoples,” she said. “I hope that this pope can unite all religions to save the world, because humanity is living a humanitarian crisis. We are killing each other.”
Earlier that day, Pope Leo presided over mass at the altar near St Peter’s tomb, situated deep beneath the basilica in the Vatican Grottoes.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli