Pope Leo XIV, in his second public appearance as head of the Catholic Church, issued a strong appeal from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for an end to global conflict. Echoing the late Pope Francis, he warned of a “third world war in pieces” and pleaded with world leaders: “No more war!” He especially called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, urging the release of all hostages and immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians.
The 69-year-old American-born pontiff, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, is the first pope from the United States. Before his papacy, he spent over 20 years as a missionary in Peru, a fact that deeply moved many of the faithful. One Peruvian pilgrim described him as someone who “awakened Christianity” among the forgotten.
Pope Leo celebrated Mass at St. Peter’s tomb and is planning an inaugural Mass on May 18, with his first general audience scheduled for May 21. His early statements and actions suggest he will continue the legacy of Pope Francis, focusing on simplicity, service to the poor, and global unity.
He called himself an “unworthy successor” to St. Peter and made a private visit to Francis’s tomb, reinforcing his humility. While his leadership style is described as milder than Francis’s, Church leaders have expressed hope that he will unite a fractured Church and offer comfort amid global turmoil.
