Pope Leo XIV, marked his first Sunday as pontiff with a powerful message of peace and officially moving into the papal home.

On May 11th, the new Pope led the Regina Caeli prayer from the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, speaking to the crowds below and to people watching around the world.

In his talk, Pope Leo XIV stressed how important peace is in the world, continuing the work of Pope Francis. He asked for fighting to stop in Ukraine and Gaza, and mentioned some positive developments between India and Pakistan.

“In today’s world where conflicts are breaking out everywhere, as Pope Francis often warned, I also call on world leaders with this timeless message: ‘No more war!'” the Pope said.

The Pope said, “The immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago… now we’re facing the tragedy of a third world war in pieces.

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Also on Sunday, the papal apartments in the Vatican were officially reopened. These rooms had been sealed after Pope Francis died on April 21st. The reopening ceremony included several important Vatican officials:

  • Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell
  • Cardinal Pietro Parolin
  • Archbishop Peña Parra
  • Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher
  • Archbishop Leonardo Sapienza

This reopening shows that leadership has fully changed hands and a new chapter is beginning under Pope Leo XIV.

Earlier in the day, the Pope celebrated his first Sunday Mass as Bishop of Rome. During his address, he talked about Good Shepherd Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership.

“I see it as a gift from God that my first Sunday serving as Bishop of Rome falls on Good Shepherd Sunday,” Pope Leo XIV said, pointing to Jesus as the perfect example of a shepherd.

Pope Leo XIV was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, 8 following a two-day conclave in Vatican City.

On Saturday, he visited a shrine outside Rome and then prayed before Francis’ tomb inside the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

The 69-year-old is the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first American to become a pontiff. 

Pope Leo XIV will be formally inaugurated at a mass in St Peter’s Square next week on 18 May.