Pope Leo XIV has officially delivered his first Sunday blessing from the iconic balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The event marks his second official public appearance since ascending to the papacy, drawing a massive crowd of onlookers eager to witness the new pontiff in action.
A Historic Moment for the New Pope
Born Robert Francis Prevost, Pope Leo XIV made history as the first U.S. Pope, following years of missionary work in Peru.
His Sunday appearance was part of the Regina Coeli prayer, a traditional blessing that gathers thousands in St. Peter’s Square.
The air was filled with anticipation as the crowd, which included marching bands visiting for a special Jubilee weekend, cheered enthusiastically as the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang in unison.
Pope Leo XIV’s Call for Peace and Unity
In his blessing, Pope Leo XIV addressed global crises with a strong call for peace.
He spoke passionately about the ongoing war in Ukraine, urging for a swift and genuine peace that would lead to the release of prisoners and the safe return of children to their families.
His words, “Never again war!” resonated deeply with the crowd.
The Pope also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, stressing the importance of releasing hostages and delivering humanitarian aid.
Messages of Hope for Global Conflicts
Continuing his message of hope, Pope Leo XIV expressed relief at the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, hoping that negotiations would pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Pope echoed the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, calling the world’s current conflicts a “third world war in pieces.”
A Special Day for Mothers and Reflection on Pope Francis’ Legacy
In honor of Mother’s Day, Pope Leo XIV also wished a happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, including those who have passed.
His words were a touching reminder of the importance of family and compassion.
Before his public blessing, the Pope celebrated a private Mass near St. Peter’s tomb, accompanied by the head of his Augustinian order, Rev. Alejandro Moral Anton.
Pope Leo XIV’s Humble Beginning and Vision for the Church
In his address to cardinals on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV humbly described himself as a “servant of God” and an “unworthy successor” to Saint Peter.
Despite his modesty, he expressed his commitment to carrying forward the legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away in April at the age of 88.
The new Pope pledged to continue Francis’ work of service, simplicity, and dedication to the needs of the marginalized.
A Vision for the Future of the Church
Looking ahead, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of missionary work, social justice, and the Church’s role in defending human dignity in the modern world.
He also spoke about the need for the Church to adapt to advances in technology, particularly in the development of artificial intelligence, to safeguard human rights and justice.
Upcoming Inauguration and Future Engagements
Pope Leo XIV will be formally inaugurated in a Mass at St. Peter’s Square next Sunday, May 18.
Ahead of this, he will meet with the media on Monday to share his vision for the future of the Church.
As the 267th pope, his leadership promises to usher in a new era marked by compassion, justice, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the world’s most vulnerable.