Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt appeal for "no more war" during his inaugural Sunday message delivered to enthusiastic crowds in St. Peter's Square. This significant moment marked his first public appearance since being elected as the pontiff just days earlier.

In his address, Pope Leo emphasized the urgent need for "authentic and lasting peace" in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces. He also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging all parties involved to release Israeli hostages. His remarks highlight the pope's commitment to addressing global humanitarian crises and advocating for peace in regions afflicted by violence.

Reflecting on the aftermath of the Second World War, Pope Leo quoted his predecessor, Pope Francis, who had previously described the state of global conflict as a "third world in pieces." This poignant reference served to underline the pope's concerns about the rising number of conflicts worldwide and the urgent need for resolution and reconciliation.

As he appeared on the loggia, the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating this momentous occasion. The event coincided with a Jubilee weekend at The Vatican, featuring vibrant marching bands that filled the atmosphere with music and joy, as the bells tolled to mark the pope's presence.

Pope Leo, notably the first American pope in history, took a moment to honor mothers on this special day, wishing all mothers, "including those in heaven," a Happy Mother's Day. His acknowledgment of Mother's Day resonated particularly well, as many countries, including the United States, celebrated the occasion on this Sunday.

Earlier in the day, the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics celebrated a private mass near the tomb of St. Peter, the apostle recognized as the first pope. This event was held in the sacred grottoes beneath St. Peter's Basilica, where the tombs of several past popes, including Pope Benedict XVI, are located.

In a previous surprise appearance on Saturday, Pope Leo took time to pray at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, at St. Mary Major Basilica. This unexpected visit was significant, marking his first public outing since his election and demonstrating his reverence for those who have served before him.

The 69-year-old pontiff also held his first formal audience earlier in the day and addressed his concerns regarding modern challenges that the Catholic Church faces. He pointed out the need for the Church to take a proactive stance on issues affecting workers, particularly in light of advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). He conveyed to the cardinals who elected him that technology brings "new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor," signifying the importance of adapting to contemporary societal changes.