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Pope Leo XIV Delivers First Sunday Blessing, Calls for Global Peace

The first U.S.-born pope urges ceasefires in Ukraine and Gaza, highlights humanitarian needs, and embraces Francis's legacy in inaugural address from St. Peter's

GENAZZANO – ROME, ITALY – MAY 10: (EDITOR NOTE: STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY – NO MERCHANDISING). Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Prevost) pays a visit to the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, just outside Rome on May 10, 2025 in Genazzano Rome, Italy. For his first trip outside the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV chose to visit the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, just outside Rome. Pope Leo visited the shrine, which has been run by the Augustinians since 1200, at around 4pm for a private visit. (Photo by Francesco Sforza Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
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A banner with the image of the recently elected Pope Leo XIV adorns the front of Chiclayo City Hall on May 9, 2025 in Chiclayo, Peru.
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Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, addressed an estimated 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square during his first Sunday blessing on May 11.
  • He called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid, while advocating for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
  • Leo XIV invoked the legacy of Pope Francis, emphasizing service, social justice, and dialogue with the modern world in his early messages.
  • The pontiff led the Regina Caeli prayer, singing part of it to the crowd, and marked Mother's Day with a special acknowledgment of mothers worldwide.
  • Upcoming events include meetings with journalists and diplomats, the possession of Rome's basilicas, and his formal inauguration Mass on May 18.