Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural Sunday blessing at the Vatican, has made an appeal for global peace. The newly appointed pope, 69 years old, acknowledged the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan and expressed hopes for a similar resolution between Ukraine and Russia, as well as a ceasefire in Gaza.
Pope Francis’ successor was named on Thursday, May 8, with Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost assuming the role under the papal name, Pope Leo XIV.
During his initial Sunday noon blessing from St Peter’s Basilica, he addressed the gathered crowd with the declaration: “Never again war.”
Pope Leo advocated for a lasting peace in Ukraine and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging the release of hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid.
Reflecting on the conclusion of the Second World War 80 years ago, he cited Pope Francis in criticizing the numerous ongoing global conflicts, describing them as a ‘third world war in pieces.’
Pope Leo also noted that it was Mother’s Day in many nations, sending wishes to all mothers, including those who have passed away.
Before his public appearance, St Peter’s Square filled with pilgrims, well-wishers, and onlookers, accompanied by several marching bands.
His address followed claims of being ‘anti-Trump,’ as he has previously shared tweets and articles critical of President Donald Trump and his administration.
Recently, Leo reshared a tweet addressing the deportation of a U.S. resident, questioning the conscience of those involved in such actions.
The Independent highlighted another tweet shared by Leo denouncing a policy that separates children from their parents, labeling it as morally indefensible.
The new pope has also criticized Trump’s vice president, JD Vance, by sharing an op-ed from the National Catholic Reporter, which argues against Vance’s comments about prioritizing love.
Vance had stated on Fox News that one should love one’s family, then neighbors, community, fellow citizens, and finally, the rest of the world, a view he claimed the far left has inverted.
Leo’s critique of Trump’s policies extends back several years. In 2015, he shared an article by Cardinal Timothy Dolan in The Washington Post criticizing Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric.
Following Pope Leo’s appointment, Trump responded on Truth Social, congratulating the new pope and expressing his excitement about meeting him, noting the honor of having the first American Pope.