Pope Leo XIV, in his second public appearance since ascending to the papacy, issued a heartfelt appeal for global peace during his Sunday address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. The newly elected pontiff urged an end to conflicts around the world, calling for a just and lasting resolution to the war in Ukraine and expressing deep sorrow over the violence in Gaza, pleading for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Following a prayer to the Virgin Mary, Pope Leo referenced the recent 80th anniversary of the end of World War II—a devastating conflict that claimed the lives of over 60 million people. Reflecting on today’s global tensions, he echoed the words of his predecessor Pope Francis, stating:
“In the tragic reality of what seems like a piecemeal World War III, I again urge the world’s powerful: No more war!”
He further emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian assistance for war-torn civilian populations and called for the immediate release of all hostages.
Pope Leo XIV was elected last Thursday as the 267th pontiff by the College of Cardinals during a secret conclave. His election comes at a critical time, with hopes that he will mend internal divisions within the Catholic Church, inspire renewed faith among its 1.4 billion followers, and tackle modern global challenges.
During his first private address to cardinals on Saturday, the 69-year-old pope humbly referred to himself as a “servant of God and an unworthy successor of St. Peter,” according to a Vatican transcript.