In his second official public appearance since becoming the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message of peace and unity to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday.
Greeting the crowd with warmth and joy, the Chicago-born pontiff—also the first pope from the United States—stood before the faithful on the iconic balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. “Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!” he proclaimed, met with roaring applause and a sea of waving flags from the square below.
In a moment that blended spiritual reflection with urgent global concern, Pope Leo XIV used his platform to call for an end to violence and war around the world. Referencing the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, he reminded listeners of the staggering human toll of past conflicts.
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“In today’s dramatic scenario of a third world war in pieces—as Pope Francis often said—I, too, make this ever-relevant plea to the powerful of the world: No more war!” the pontiff declared.
Following a prayer to the Virgin Mary, Pope Leo extended specific appeals for peace in regions facing ongoing violence. He expressed deep sorrow over the continuing war in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
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“I am deeply saddened by the suffering in Gaza,” he said. “Humanitarian aid must reach the exhausted civilian population, and all hostages must be freed.”
Echoing the message of his predecessor, Pope Francis, the new pontiff emphasized the need for a “genuine, just, and lasting peace”—one that upholds human dignity and international solidarity.
The address from the heart of Vatican City comes at a time when the world continues to grapple with widespread violence, humanitarian disasters, and rising political tensions. Pope Leo’s message was clear: the world’s leaders must choose dialogue over destruction.
As Pope Leo XIV steps into his role as spiritual leader for over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, his early emphasis on global peace and compassion sets the tone for what may be a deeply impactful papacy.
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