Pope Leo XIV, during his second public appearance as the leader of the Catholic Church, made a powerful appeal to world leaders to end all wars. Speaking to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Chicago-born pontiff expressed deep concern over global conflicts, especially the ongoing crisis in Gaza. With a clear message of peace, he declared, “No more war!” echoing the cries for a “genuine, just, and lasting peace” in Ukraine and the wider world.
On Sunday, after leading a prayer to the Virgin Mary, Leo acknowledged the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, reflecting on the devastation of that conflict, which claimed 60 million lives. He urged the international community to end the violence of the current world wars, a sentiment previously voiced by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Leo also called for humanitarian aid for the suffering population in Gaza and the immediate release of all hostages involved in the Israel-Hamas war.
Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, was chosen as the 267th pope during a secret conclave on Thursday. His background as a missionary in Peru and his humble approach to leadership have drawn high hopes for his ability to unite the Catholic Church and bring fresh solutions to modern challenges. His personal style, seen as more reserved compared to Pope Francis’s boldness, is expected to focus on humility and service, prioritizing the needs of the poor and marginalized.
The new pope’s address resonated deeply with pilgrims, including many from Peru, who felt a personal connection to Leo’s past work in their communities. Among them was Alejandrina Espinosa, a member of the Quechua population, who expressed hope that Leo would unite all religions to address the global humanitarian crisis.
Pope Leo’s leadership is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’s compassionate and inclusive approach. As he steps into this pivotal role, his commitment to Francis’s legacy and his focus on the Church’s mission to reach the world’s most forgotten peoples will serve as a guiding principle for his papacy.
