Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful appeal for peace during his first Sunday address as the head of the Catholic Church, urging global leaders to end ongoing wars and work toward reconciliation. Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the new pontiff called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a lasting peace in Ukraine, and expressed hope for continued calm between India and Pakistan.

“I would also like to address the powerful people of the world, repeating the always current call: ‘no more war,’” Pope Leo declared to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square. Reflecting on the devastation of past and present conflicts, he warned, “The immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago… now we're facing the tragedy of a third world war in pieces.”

The 69-year-old Pope, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago and also a Peruvian national, was elected on Thursday after the death of Pope Francis. He becomes the 267th pontiff and the first American to lead the Catholic Church, which counts over 1.4 billion members worldwide.

Pope Leo expressed his deep concern for the humanitarian crises in multiple regions. He described his pain over the escalating violence in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the release of hostages. Regarding Ukraine, he emphasized the need for a “true and lasting peace,” the release of prisoners, and the reunification of children with their families.

The pontiff also welcomed the tentative ceasefire between India and Pakistan, reached on Saturday following days of cross-border violence. “I was happy to hear... of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan,” he said, expressing hope for a durable agreement through continued negotiations.

Pope Leo recited the Regina Caeli prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary, continuing a tradition of papal devotion during the Easter season. On Saturday, he had visited a shrine outside Rome and prayed at Pope Francis’ tomb inside Santa Maria Maggiore.

While addressing cardinals over the weekend, Pope Leo described himself as an “unworthy choice” for the papacy, pledging to carry on the mission of his predecessor. He emphasized priorities such as missionary work, inclusion of the marginalized, and the defense of human dignity in the face of modern challenges like artificial intelligence.

The new Pope explained he chose the name Leo in tribute to Pope Leo XIII, known for his strong emphasis on social justice. Like Francis, Pope Leo XIV is viewed as a moderate who is committed to the Church's mission of supporting the poor, migrants, and the environment.

Pope Leo’s inauguration Mass is scheduled for May 18 in St. Peter’s Square, where he will address a gathering of global leaders and dignitaries. Ahead of that, he is set to meet with members of the media on Monday.

In his closing message on Sunday, he said: “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people... May whatever is possible be done to reach an authentic, true and lasting peace as quickly as possible.”