VATICAN CITY — In his initial Sunday blessing, Pope Leo XIV called for a sincere and equitable peace in Ukraine and an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza. His address, resonating with about 100,000 attendees at St. Peter’s Basilica, was marked by symbols aimed at fostering unity within the contentious realms of the Catholic Church.
Pope Leo addressed the global powers by reiterating the perpetual plea, “never again war,” indicating his commitment to peace since he first stepped onto the Vatican stage as the first American pontiff. This came after his unprecedented election and his earlier message of peace just days ago.
Adopting the papal tradition of offering the noon Sunday blessing, Leo made modifications which were symbolic in nature. While previous popes delivered their messages from the Apostolic Palace’s window overlooking the square, Leo chose to stand at the heart of the church at the central balcony instead. This decision was partly practical—as Leo awaited the unsealing of the papal apartments that had been closed since Pope Francis’ passing.
Leo infused novelty into the blessing by singing the Regina Caeli prayer, a shift from the recent past where it was merely recited, echoing the older customs of the Latin Mass. His gestures, such as appearing with the traditional red papal cape and later donning the ceremonial brocaded stole, provided a glimmer of hope to traditionalists and conservatives within the church who have been yearning for a return to tradition amidst prior reforms.
Commentaries from observers such as Aldo Maria Valli, a conservative journalist, reflected positive opinions on these changes. Valli urged fellow traditionalists to give Leo the opportunity to prove his intentions.
On this occasion, Leo embodied simplicity by wearing the traditional white cassock along with the silver pectoral cross, although on previous occasions, he had worn a more elaborate version containing relics of saints significant to his religious order.
In echoing Pope Francis, Leo remarked on the proliferation of conflicts worldwide, describing them as a “third world war in pieces.” He expressed empathy for the distress endured by Ukraine and urged for a swift establishment of authentic peace. Leo, during his time in Peru when Russia began its invasion, had explicitly identified Moscow as the aggressor.
Leo’s appeal for an immediate Gaza ceasefire and for humanitarian efforts to aid the civilian population highlighted his concern for global conflicts. He extended a heartfelt wish for Mother’s Day, acknowledging mothers worldwide and those beyond.
People gathered at the Vatican, including groups from Houston and enthusiastic locals, expressed enthusiasm for the Pope’s address. Angela Gentile, from Bari, reflected the sentiments of many, voicing support for Leo’s papacy.
For pilgrims like Rev. Dominic Nguyen and his Vietnamese American group, their presence at this significant gathering held deeper meaning, symbolizing a sense of unity and the diverse representation within the Church.
Earlier that day, Leo celebrated a private Mass at the tomb of St. Peter and honored various past popes in the basilica’s grottoes. His Mass, attended by significant religious figures and his family, underscored the issue of declining religious vocations, a concern raised during pre-conclave discussions. Leo highlighted leading by example to inspire future church servants.
Completing his day, Leo participated in the formal unsealing of the papal apartments within the Apostolic Palace. The decision about whether he will reside there or maintain the present arrangements awaits confirmation. Since his election, he has been residing in a Vatican palazzo.
As the 69-year-old Chicago native and recently elected 267th pope, Leo prepares for a week of audiences before celebrating his installation Mass, marking a vital step in his papal journey.