Rome
CNN
–
Pope Leo XIV stepped into the balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral, creating a thunder and electric atmosphere, delivering his first Sunday blessing and speeches calling for peace in Ukraine and Gaza.
The last time he stood on the same velvet-covered shelf, the scent of white smoke still hanging in the air, with a shocking look permeating the crowd. A few days ago, elections for the US-born pope seemed almost impossible.
But those who gathered at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday knew exactly what to expect. Born in Chicago, he was a well-experienced pope in Peru, and was a Vatican leader.
“Let’s take a look at the invitation that Pope Francis left in today’s message. An invitation to welcome and accompany young people,” Leo said Sunday from his fluent Italian-speaking balcony. “And let us ask our Heavenly Father to help us serve each other.”
“In today’s dramatic scenario of World War III being fought in fragments, as Pope Francis said, I will also resort to world leaders with timely appeal to ever-time charm: never war again!” he said.
Pope Leo called for Ukraine’s “real, fair and lasting peace” and the release of Gaza ceasefire and hostages. He also called for humanitarian assistance to “weaked civilians” in Gaza.
“I have been pleased with satisfaction and welcome the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. I hope that through future negotiations we will soon be able to reach a lasting agreement,” he added.
He said he was there to convey the message of peace to the crowd, and shocked those who gathered by singing prayers, leading to those faithful to Regina Caeri (The Queen of Heaven) prayer for the first time.
Prayer is one of the four Marian Antiphons, or prayers to the Virgin Mary, that are said throughout the Easter season.
According to Vatican media, around 100,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for prayer.
The square was energized with music before Leo’s speech. Hundreds of musicians from around the world marched into St. Peter’s Square, performing band jubilees and classic songs from their home countries, and the village’s 1978 hit “YMCA”
When he finished his address, he was heard among tens of thousands of people screaming “Viva Il Papa” or “Long Live the Pope.” Flags from around the world, including the US, Mexico, Brazil and Spain, were dotted across the crowd.
Pope Leo on Saturday shows that his Pope will follow in the footsteps of the late Pope Francis, leading the command of the church, leading the missionary focus, courageous dialogue with the modern world, and “loving care for those who have been rejected.”
Leo is expected to lean in progressive ways to social issues such as migration and poverty, but it is expected to fall more along with moderates on the moral issues of Catholic doctrine.
At the first meeting with the Cardinals on Saturday, the new Pope said he chose his Pope name to continue the path of Pope Leo XIII, who addressed “social issues in the context of the first great industrial revolution.” Leo XIII, who was Pope from 1878 to 1903, focused on workers’ rights and Catholic social doctrines.
Leo XIV also visited the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he used his first weekend as a clergyman to pray at the tomb of Francis.
He also traveled to Madonna del Boone Consilió (the mother of a good advisor), Augustine’s sanctuary just outside Rome in Genazano, Italy.
Leo is the first pope from Augustine’s Order, with a focus on the work of service and building community. He spent more than a decade leading the Augustine as his former general, giving him the experience of leading an order that spans the world.
Additionally, large crowds are expected to fill St. Peter’s Square during the Pope Leo’s Mass, which will be held on Sunday, May 18th.
Sharon Braithwaite and Christopher Lamb of CNN contributed to this report.
