Pope Leo XIV returned to his balcony on Sunday, and was presented to the world a few days ago as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church, calling for peace to those who were faithful to his first Sunday speech.
“Never again war,” he roared from the massive crowd gathered at St. Peter's Square. He said it was almost 80 years since that day that the “immense tragedy” of World War II ended and that Pope Francis, his predecessor, Pope Francis, cited his predecessor, whom he often referred to as “World War III.”
Leo sought “real, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and the release of all prisoners in that war. The Pope said the children should be returned to their families. He did not specify which children he was referring to, but many Ukrainian children were taken to Russia during the war against the wishes of their families.
Leo also pleaded for the immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages taken in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, allowing the territory to be allowed to be distributed to “weaked civilians.”
Leo's call for peace in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza reflected the themes Francis regularly spoke in his speech on Sunday.
He sent a special greeting to “all mothers” as their family celebrated Mother's Day in Italy, the US and several other countries.
Sunday also marked the day of the world of prayer for calling, he pointed out. Leo said he prayed with faithful people that more Catholics would take up their calling to the priesthood and religious order. “The church has a huge need for them!” he said. In many countries, the number of people participating in the priesthood and religious order is decreasing.
Candice Dias of California was in the square to hear the Pope deliver his first traditional Sunday blessing at noon locally. “He seems to be very diminished to Earth,” she said. “He is humble.”
Leo has been busy since becoming Pope. On Friday, he celebrated his first Mass at the Sistine Chapel as a clergyman with the Cardinals who elected him the day before. In his Homily he promised to line up himself with “normal people.”
The Pope met with Cardinals again on Saturday, saying he would lead the church more in missionary direction and continue Francis' work by piloting the church with greater cooperation among church leaders and intimacy with marginalized people.
Diaz added that with the end of the Pope of Conclave, who elected him, she hoped that the Vatican tour scheduled for Monday would include the Sistine Chapel. The chapel was closed to the public even before Conclave began preparing for the vote, but is scheduled to resume on Monday.
