In his inaugural Sunday address, newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful plea for global peace, urging world leaders to end ongoing conflicts.
Speaking to over 100,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the newly elected pontiff addressed crises in Ukraine, Gaza, and the recent India-Pakistan tensions, emphasizing the need for lasting resolutions.
Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, which claimed approximately 60 million lives, Pope Leo described today’s conflicts as “the dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal.”
He stated:
The crowd, filling the square and Via della Conciliazione, responded with enthusiastic applause.
The pontiff expressed deep concern for Ukraine, saying:
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.
Pope Leo XIV.
This followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent proposal for direct talks with Ukraine to end the three-year conflict.
On Gaza, Leo voiced sorrow, stating:
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.
Pope Leo XIV.
He also welcomed the fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan, adding:
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.
Pope Leo XIV.
The address coincided with a pilgrimage of international marching bands, who performed lively tunes like Y.M.C.A. and Stars and Stripes Forever before the speech.
Among the attendees, Peruvian Gladys Ruiz, a Rome resident, called Leo’s election “a great honour for us,” noting his dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship.
Dennis Gilligan from Boston, visiting with his wife Maureen, described the event as “very moving,” regretting missing a chance to see Pope John Paul II in 1979.
Elected on May 8, Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, will be formally inaugurated on May 18.
His early actions, including a visit to a shrine and prayers at Pope Francis’ tomb, signal a commitment to continuity and dialogue, with a focus on justice and human dignity.