Pope Leo appeals for no more war in first Sunday address, lauds Happy Mother’s Day
Pope Leo XIV appealed for no more war in a message to world powers during his first Sunday blessing at the Vatican as the world marked Happy Mother’s Day.
In his first Sunday blessing as the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders to end war and called for lasting peace in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza.
“No more war!” Leo said from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Recalling the end of World War II 80 years ago, Leo quoted Pope Francis in denouncing the number of conflicts ravaging the globe today, saying it was a “third world war in pieces”.
Leo also recalled that Sunday was Mother’s Day in many countries and wished all mothers, “including those in heaven” a Happy Mother’s Day.
The crowd, filled with marching bands in town for a special Jubilee weekend, erupted in cheers and music as the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled.
The midday prayer drew thousands of people anxious for a closer look at the modest pontiff, born Robert Francis Prevost, who before becoming the first US pope spent much of his life as a missionary in Peru.
He called for a “lasting peace” in the Ukraine war, a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as welcoming Saturday’s agreement between India and Pakistan.
He also recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, in his address to the crowd in St Peter’s Square.
Yesterday, he visited a shrine outside Rome and then prayed before the tomb of his late predecessor Francis inside the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Pope Leo will be formally inaugurated at a mass in St Peter’s Square next week on May 18, 2025.
The Pope was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, following a two-day conclave in Vatican City.
It has been a busy week for the pontiff, who held his first Mass as Pope in the Sistine chapel on Friday before speaking to cardinals on Saturday.
During this meeting, he described himself as an unworthy choice for Pope, and vowed to continue the “precious legacy” of his predecessor.
He highlighted the importance of missionary work and discussion – as well as care for those he called the “least and the rejected”.
Speaking from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, he said: “The immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago… now we’re facing the tragedy of a third world war in pieces.
“I would also like to address the powerful people of the world, repeating the always-current call: ‘no more war’.”
The pontiff continued: “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people.
“May whatever is possible be done to reach an authentic, true and lasting peace as quickly as possible. May all the prisoners be freed. May children return to their families.
“And I am deeply hurt by what is happening in the Gaza strip.
“May a ceasefire immediately come into effect. May humanitarian aid be allowed into the civilian population and may all hostages be freed.
He went on: “I was happy to hear on the other hand that there was a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through the coming negotiations we might soon come to a lasting accord.”
It has been a busy week for the pontiff, who held his first Mass as Pope in the Sistine chapel on Friday before speaking to cardinals on Saturday.
