Overview
- Pope Leo XIV led his first Regina Coeli prayer from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on May 11, 2025, just three days after his election.
- He called for an authentic and lasting peace in Ukraine and urged an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
- The pope denounced global violence, referring to it as a 'piecemeal Third World War,' echoing the sentiments of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
- He commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, emphasizing the importance of historical memory in fostering peace.
- Pope Leo XIV warmly greeted Romans and pilgrims from around the world, marking the beginning of his pastoral engagement with the global Catholic community.