First Sunday prayer: Pope Leo XIV warns: “Never again war!”

The new Pope Leo XIV used his first Sunday prayer in St. Peter's Square to make a plea for peace throughout the world. From the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the new head of the Catholic Church called out: "Never again war!" The first pontiff from the United States, the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was repeatedly cheered loudly. Several times, his name was chanted in Italian: "Leone, Leone!" Police estimated that more than 100,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square.

The new pontiff commemorated the end of World War II, which claimed 60 million lives almost exactly 80 years ago. Leo XIV said the world is now experiencing "the dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal," echoing a phrase coined by Pope Francis. Therefore, like his predecessor, he wanted to "turn to the greats of the world with an ever-relevant appeal: Never again war!"

As a bishop in Peru, the new pope has earned a reputation as a fighter against poverty, environmental destruction and injustice.

Leo XIV also addressed the wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. He said he felt the "suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people" in his heart and called for negotiations that would bring about a "genuine, just, and lasting peace." Prisoners must be released and children returned to their families. "What is happening in the Gaza Strip pains me deeply," he said, calling for an immediate ceasefire, free humanitarian corridors and aid for the beleaguered civilian population, as well as the release of all hostages. He explicitly welcomed the announced ceasefire between India and Pakistan, saying it must last. He concluded his appeal with a plea for the "miracle of peace."

The 69-year-old former missionary and leader of the Augustinian Order was elected on Thursday, succeeding Francis as the 267th pope in church history. On one of his first visits outside the Vatican, Leo XIV visited his predecessor's tomb: He had himself taken to the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where the Argentinian's final resting place is located. He prayed at the tomb and laid a white rose.

The grand inauguration mass is planned for next Sunday, again in St. Peter's Square. State guests from all over the world are expected to attend. Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to be present from the United States, the new pope's home country.