Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff hailing from the United States, took the world by storm with his recent calls for peace in Ukraine and Gaza during his Sunday noon blessing. In a symbolic gesture of unity within the Catholic Church, Leo emphasized the importance of a genuine and just peace in Ukraine, urging for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Standing on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo addressed a crowd of around 100,000 people, echoing the timeless plea for “never again war” to the world’s great powers.
This marked Leo’s first appearance on the loggia since his election as pope, where he made a strong statement in favor of peace. Departing from the tradition of delivering blessings from the studio window of the Apostolic Palace, Leo chose to stand at the center of the square, showcasing a new approach to this papal tradition. He even surprised attendees by singing the Regina Caeli prayer in Latin, a departure from the usual recitation by previous popes.
The audience, which included prominent conservative figures like Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini, seemed cautiously optimistic about Leo’s leadership style. Many saw his return to a more traditional papal attire, such as the formal red cape, as a sign of his priorities. On Sunday, Leo sported the simple white cassock of the papacy, reverting back to his silver pectoral cross.
In his address, Leo drew attention to the ongoing conflicts worldwide, describing them as a “third world war in pieces.” He expressed solidarity with the suffering Ukrainian people and called for their release of prisoners and the safe return of children to their families. Additionally, Leo advocated for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged for humanitarian aid to be provided to the civilians affected by the conflict.
Leo’s message was timely, coinciding with Mother’s Day in many countries. He extended warm wishes to all mothers, including those in heaven, as the crowd erupted in cheers and music. Among the attendees were pilgrims from Houston, Texas, proudly waving American flags in support of this historic occasion.
Following the Sunday blessing, Leo celebrated a private Mass near the tomb of St. Peter and prayed at the tombs of past popes in the grottoes beneath the basilica. Vatican Media captured the moment as Leo prayed before the tombs of Pope Paul VI, Pope Pius XII, and Pope Benedict XVI, highlighting the diversity of papal legacies.
Leo also attended the unsealing of the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, a symbolic gesture marking the transition of leadership from Pope Francis. It remains uncertain whether Leo will reside in the apartments or continue using his current living quarters in a Vatican palazzo. As a former missionary in Peru, Leo shared a special connection with his former diocese in Chiclayo, delivering a heartfelt greeting in Spanish.
As Leo prepares for his formal installation Mass, the anticipation for his leadership continues to grow. Supporters like Bertha Santander from Peru expressed overwhelming joy at witnessing Leo’s election as pope, emphasizing the emotional impact of the historic moment. With a busy week ahead of audiences and engagements, Leo’s humble demeanor and commitment to global peace are poised to make a lasting impact on the Catholic Church.
