On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV returned to the iconic balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, a location where he was introduced to the world as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church just days earlier. In his inaugural Sunday address, the pope delivered a heartfelt message urging for global peace amidst ongoing conflicts. “Never again war,” he proclaimed, eliciting a powerful response from the massive crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square. His appeal resonated not only with the faithful but also with the world’s most influential leaders.
Pope Leo XIV's address came nearly 80 years after the conclusion of World War II, a conflict he referred to as an “immense tragedy.” He quoted his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had often described the current wave of violence as “a third world war in pieces.” This poignant reflection set the stage for Leo's call for an “authentic, just, and lasting peace” in Ukraine, emphasizing the urgent need to free all prisoners caught in the conflict. The pope expressed a deep concern for children affected by the war, specifically mentioning the plight of Ukrainian children taken to Russia against their families’ wishes.
In addition to his remarks on Ukraine, Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt plea for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. He called for humanitarian aid to be allowed to reach the “exhausted civilian population” and emphasized the importance of returning hostages taken during Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. His words highlighted the church's commitment to advocating for peace and the protection of innocent lives caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflicts.
Pope Leo XIV also extended a special greeting to “all mothers” as families across Italy, the United States, and other nations celebrated Mother’s Day. He acknowledged the significance of family and unity during these challenging times. Additionally, he highlighted that the day marked the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, urging the faithful to pray for an increase in the number of Catholics pursuing vocations in the priesthood and religious orders. “The Church has such a great need for them!” he emphasized, drawing attention to the declining numbers of those entering these sacred paths.
Among the crowd was Candice Dias from California, who shared her impressions of the new pope. “He seems to be very down to earth,” she remarked. “He’s humble.” Since his election, Pope Leo XIV has been actively engaging with church leadership and the community. On Friday, he celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the cardinals who had elected him. In his homily, he pledged to align himself with “ordinary people” rather than the affluent and powerful.
The pope met with the cardinals again on Saturday, reiterating his commitment to continue the work of Pope Francis in steering the church towards a more missionary direction. He stressed the importance of increased cooperation among church leaders and a focus on marginalized communities, reaffirming the church's dedication to serving those in need.
As the conclave that elected him comes to a close, Ms. Dias expressed hope that her upcoming tour of the Vatican would include the Sistine Chapel, which had been closed to the public in preparation for the conclave. The chapel is set to reopen on Monday, allowing visitors to experience its breathtaking beauty once again.
