Pope Leo XIV Makes Passionate Plea for Global Peace in First Sunday Blessing
In his first Sunday address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, newly elected Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message to the world: “Never again war.” Addressing thousands gathered in Vatican City, the 69-year-old pontiff urged world leaders to renew efforts toward global peace and reconciliation.
Just days after officially succeeding Pope Francis on May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—now Pope Leo XIV—used his inaugural blessing to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and urgent humanitarian aid. He also called for a just and enduring peace between Russia and Ukraine, underlining the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.
The pontiff also praised the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, commending both nations for taking meaningful steps toward regional stability.
With a tone of compassion and urgency, Pope Leo XIV set a clear direction for his papacy: one rooted in hope, justice, and the relentless pursuit of peace.
Pope Leo XIV Delivers Stirring Mother’s Day Blessing, Touches on Global Conflict and Controversy
In a moving and wide-ranging address during his first Sunday blessing at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV invoked the legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, as he decried the numerous wars plaguing the world today. Quoting Pope Francis, he described the current state of global unrest as a “third world war in pieces,” a sobering reminder of the devastation that followed World War II eight decades ago.
The 69-year-old pontiff also took a tender moment to honor mothers around the globe. “Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, including those in heaven,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd. His blessing resonated deeply as the day is celebrated as Mother’s Day in many countries.
St. Peter’s Square was a sea of excitement, packed with pilgrims, well-wishers, and the curious. Hours before Pope Leo appeared on the balcony, lively marching bands filled the air with music, setting a jubilant tone for the historic occasion.
But the new pontiff’s emergence has also stirred political discussion.
Online observers were quick to note Pope Leo’s history of reposting tweets critical of former U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration’s immigration policies. In particular, Leo has reshared content highlighting the moral consequences of family separation at the border, including a striking tweet stating:
“There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages… The shame is on us all.”
In one recent repost, Leo cited the emotional words of Washington, D.C.’s Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjívar, a Salvadoran immigrant, who confronted the Oval Office’s actions on deportations:
“Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?”
He also amplified a sharply worded op-ed from the National Catholic Reporter criticizing Trump’s vice president, JD Vance, for suggesting a ranked hierarchy of love—family first, then neighbor, and only lastly the rest of the world. The op-ed, titled “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others,” was shared in response to Vance’s remarks on Fox News earlier this year.
Pope Leo’s history of speaking out on these issues isn’t new. A 2015 post from his account highlighted an essay by Cardinal Timothy Dolan titled “Why Donald Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric is so problematic,” revealing the depth of Leo’s long-standing concern over such policies.
As speculation swirls around the new pope’s political views, former President Trump himself responded with a strikingly warm message via Truth Social:
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.”
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.”
“I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Despite ideological differences, it seems the former president is extending an olive branch as the world watches this new chapter in the Catholic Church unfold under Pope Leo XIV’s leadership—one already marked by bold calls for justice, compassion, and unity.
