By Rob Harris
Rome: Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful call for peace during his first Sunday address as pontiff, urging world leaders to end violence and echoing the words of his predecessor as he declared: “No more war.”
The new pope’s voice rang out from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to an estimated 100,000 worshippers below. Leo – who was elected on Thursday – appealed for a ceasefire in Gaza, peace in Ukraine, and applauded the tentative truce between India and Pakistan.
“The immense tragedy of World War II claimed 60 million victims. As Pope Francis did, I address the powerful of the world: no more war,” he said.
“I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. Let everything possible be done to reach an authentic, just and lasting peace as soon as possible. May the prisoners be freed and may the children return to their families.”
The 69-year-old American-born pontiff’s message mirrored Pope Francis’ often-repeated calls for global harmony, but also marked a tonal shift.
On Sunday afternoon, Rome time, a video interview from 2022 resurfaced online showing Leo – then Bishop Robert Prevost of Chiclayo, Peru – condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “an authentic imperialist invasion in which Russia wants to conquer territory”.
An estimated 100,000 worshippers were at St Peter’s Basilica to hear the Pope speak on Sunday.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
That clarity stands in contrast to Francis, who was often criticised for equivocal language on the war. Leo’s more direct tone has already raised expectations among observers hoping for firmer Vatican diplomacy.
But while his words struck a serious note, the atmosphere in the square was one of exuberance and hope. Pilgrims from across the globe – including a large Australian contingent – filled the square, waving flags, singing and praying as bells tolled across Rome.
Among them was Father Richard Wallace, from the Maternal Heart of Mary parish in Lewisham, NSW. He travelled with fellow Catholics from Blacktown, North Sydney, Summer Hill, Adelaide, Canberra and Maitland.
“We are a group of Catholics from around Australia who just happened to be on a long-planned pilgrimage to Rome,” Wallace said. “But we know that God’s providence called us here to be present for the Holy Father’s election.”
Father Richard Wallace (centre) with a group of Australians who heard the Pope deliver the Regina Caeli prayer on Sunday.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
“Throughout the last week, we’ve visited many holy sites such as the Papal Basilicas, the Holy House of Loreto, and the tombs of the saints.
“But we must admit that the electrifying atmosphere of the papal election has taken our attention.”
The Pope also offered a novelty by singing the Regina Caeli, a Latin prayer said during the Easter season that harked back to the old Latin Mass of the past.
Wallace said the prayer – traditionally recited in honour of the Virgin Mary – was deeply moving.
“We already feel a filial love for our father and guide, Leo XIV. He really has a gravity mixed with gentleness,” he said.
“Being in St Peter’s Square today for his first Regina Caeli was an unforgettable experience, especially being in a crowd of fellow Catholics.
“With one voice, we sang the Regina Caeli. We feel great hope, happiness, and especially gratitude for God for the grace of being here during this time.”
Leo’s message was also directed at younger Catholics. “It is important that young men and women find, in our communities, welcome, listening, encouragement in their vocational journey,” he said, calling on the Church to nurture the next generation of believers.
Saturday’s surprise pilgrimage to the Marian shrine at Genazzano and his quiet prayer at the tomb of Pope Francis at Santa Maria Maggiore – where he laid white roses and knelt in silent reflection – have underscored Leo’s pastoral focus.
In a private meeting with cardinals on Saturday, the new pope explained his choice of name, invoking Pope Leo XIII, a 19th-century leader remembered for his work on social justice.
Leo XIV pledged to confront the challenges of today’s “new industrial revolution”, citing artificial intelligence as a force that “poses new challenges for human dignity, justice and labour”.
Leo is the second pope from the Americas after Francis. He served as a missionary and archbishop in Peru and holds Peruvian nationality – a fact warmly noted by Peruvian pilgrims in Rome, many of whom waved flags and held signs reading “Chiclayo is here”.
Pope Leo XIV delivering the Regina Caeli prayer from St Peter’s Basilica.Credit: Getty Images
Leo will face the international press for the first time on Monday, with many watching to see how he balances continuity with Francis and his own emerging voice. His formal inauguration Mass will be held on Sunday, May 18, attended by heads of state and religious leaders.
Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.