‘Never again war’: Pope Leo XIV urges peace in Gaza, Ukraine in debut address

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his first Sunday blessing and message as leader of the Catholic Church.

Just days after his surprise election as the first US-born pontiff, the Chicagoan stood before tens of thousands in the square—this time to a thunderous welcome and not the stunned murmurs that followed his elevation.

“Let us take up the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his Message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people,” the new pope said in Italian. “And let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another.”

His first address to the faithful included a passionate appeal for peace in conflict zones around the world. Echoing his predecessor’s sentiments, Leo invoked Francis' description of a "third world war being fought piecemeal." He added, “I too turn to the world’s leaders with an ever timely appeal: never again war!”

He specifically called for an end to hostilities in Ukraine and Gaza, asking for a ceasefire and the release of captives, and urging the international community to deliver humanitarian aid to “the exhausted population” in Gaza. “I welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and I hope that through negotiations we can reach a lasting agreement,” he said.

Leo XIV also led the Regina Caeli, the traditional Marian prayer of the Easter season, and surprised many by singing part of it. Rome authorities had estimated that 150,000 people could fill the square for the momentous occasion, although an official crowd count was still pending.

Crowds erupted with chants of “Viva il Papa!”—long live the pope—once Leo concluded his remarks.

On Saturday, the new pope offered a glimpse into his vision for the Church. He pledged to continue the legacy of Pope Francis by championing missionary work, engaging in open dialogue with modern society, and prioritizing the needs of the poor and marginalized.

While expected to lean progressive on issues like immigration and poverty, Leo XIV is seen as more centrist when it comes to Church doctrine.

In a meeting with cardinals, he explained his choice of name. Inspired by Pope Leo XIII—who addressed labor rights and social justice during the Industrial Revolution—he signaled a similar desire to address today’s social upheavals with compassion and resolve.

Over the weekend, Leo visited key religious sites, including the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where he prayed at the tomb of Pope Francis, and the Madonna del Buon Consiglio sanctuary outside Rome. These symbolic stops reflect his roots in the Augustinian order, which emphasizes community life and service.

As the first Augustinian pope and a seasoned leader within the order, Leo brings global experience to the Vatican. His installation Mass is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, and is expected to draw even larger crowds to the Eternal City.