• Pope Leo XIV called for “no more war” during his first Sunday message in St. Peter's Square.
• He emphasized the need for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and release of hostages.
• Addressing 100,000 attendees, he repeated key themes from his predecessor, Pope Francis.

Pope Leo XIV made an impassioned plea for "no more war" during his inaugural Sunday address in St. Peter's Square, marking a significant moment since his election on May 8, 2025. The Pope called for an "authentic and lasting peace" in Ukraine, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. This heartfelt message resonated with thousands as Leo declared, "No more war!" mirroring the persistent calls of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of World War II's conclusion, which claimed around 60 million lives. Leo emphasized, "the dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal," a phrase often used by Francis, highlighting contemporary global conflicts, according to Reuters, Le Monde, and Channel News Asia.

During his address, Leo shared his deep compassion for the people affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating he carries "in my heart the suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine." He urged swift negotiations to attain "a genuine, just and lasting peace." Furthermore, he expressed sorrow over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where he called for immediate humanitarian assistance and the release of hostages. The Pope's calls for immediate peace came shortly after a ceasefire was announced between India and Pakistan, which he welcomed, hoping it would lead to lasting peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, according to New York Times, Al Jazeera, and HuffPost.

The atmosphere in St. Peter's Square was electric, with around 100,000 attendees cheering and applauding during and after his passionate declarations. The event was enlivened with performances from various marching bands that had gathered from around the world. Leo, the first pope from the United States, also noted the significance of the mass turnout as a statement of unity amid global unrest, attributing the challenges faced today to a broader struggle against warfare across several fronts which includes numerous unresolved conflicts worldwide, as stated in reports by The Jakarta Post, Dawn, and India Times.