For the first time, Pope Leo XIV led the Sunday prayer at St Peter’s Square, addressing the suffering in Ukraine and Gaza and urging world leaders to work towards ending wars.
The 69-year-old pope, who holds both American and Peruvian nationality, expressed his compassion, saying, “I carry the suffering of the Ukrainian people in my heart” and shared his deep concern about the situation in Gaza. He called for ceasefires in both conflicts and urged for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, along with the release of all hostages.
Leo celebrated the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, expressing hope for “the miracle of peace” around the globe.
The square in front of St Peter’s Basilica was nearly filled with people eager to witness the new pope’s first Sunday prayer, where he recited the Regina Caeli, the prayer dedicated to the Virgin Mary that replaces the usual Angelus prayer between Easter and Pentecost.
He also acknowledged that it was Mother’s Day in Italy and many other parts of the world, including Belgium, saying, “I send a special greeting to all mothers, for all they do for us and to those mothers who are in heaven.”
