A New Era Begins: Pope Leo XIV Calls For Global Peace In First Sunday Blessing

Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to thunderous applause and an electrifying atmosphere, delivering his first Sunday blessing with a powerful call for peace in Ukraine and Gaza.

The last time he stood on the velvet-draped balcony, the scent of white smoke still lingered in the air, and the crowd was filled with stunned expressions. Just days earlier, the idea of a U.S.-born pope seemed almost unimaginable.

But by Sunday, the massive gathering in St. Peter’s Square knew exactly what to expect: a pontiff born in Chicago, shaped in Peru, and seasoned by years of Vatican leadership.

“Let us embrace the invitation Pope Francis left us in his message today: to welcome and accompany young people,” Leo said in fluent Italian. “And let us ask our heavenly Father to help us live in service to one another.”

Echoing Pope Francis’s warnings of a "piecemeal" world war, Leo made a passionate plea:

“I too turn to the world’s leaders with an urgent appeal: never again war!”

Pope Leo called for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza’s exhausted population.
He also celebrated a hopeful development:

“I welcome the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through negotiations we can reach a lasting peace.”

After delivering a heartfelt "message of peace," Leo led the faithful in the Regina Caeli ("Queen of Heaven") prayer, surprising many by singing part of it — a rare and touching moment.

The Regina Caeli is one of four Marian antiphons, traditionally prayed during the Easter season.

Rome city officials had anticipated a crowd of 150,000 for the historic blessing. While an official count was still pending, the square was alive with energy. Before the address, hundreds of musicians from around the world filled St. Peter’s Square for the "Jubilee of Bands," playing both traditional anthems and pop classics like the Village People's "YMCA."

As Leo concluded his speech, the crowd erupted with chants of "Viva il Papa!" — "Long live the Pope!"

On Saturday, Pope Leo indicated that his papacy would closely follow the spirit of his predecessor, Pope Francis. His vision includes a Church with a strong missionary focus, open dialogue with the modern world, and "loving care for the least and the rejected."

Leo is expected to take a more progressive stance on social issues like migration and poverty while maintaining a moderate approach to Catholic moral teachings.

In his first meeting with the cardinals, Leo revealed the inspiration behind his papal name: Pope Leo XIII. Serving from 1878 to 1903, Leo XIII championed workers’ rights and laid the foundation for Catholic social teaching during the first great industrial revolution.

During his first weekend as pontiff, Leo XIV made symbolic pilgrimages: praying at the tomb of Pope Francis in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and visiting the Madonna del Buon Consiglio (Mother of Good Counsel) sanctuary in Genazzano.

Leo also holds a historic distinction: he is the first pope from the Augustinian order, an order devoted to service and building community. His decade-long leadership as prior general of the Augustinians has prepared him for this global role.

Even larger crowds are expected to descend on St. Peter’s Square for Pope Leo’s installation Mass, scheduled for Sunday, May 18.