In his first Sunday blessing at the Vatican since assuming office, Pope Leo XIV has called on international leaders to work towards peace.

In addition to calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and “lasting peace” between Russia and Ukraine, the 69-year-old praised the ceasefire accord made between India and Pakistan.

On Thursday, May 8, it was formally announced that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, whose papal name is Pope Leo XIV, would succeed Pope Francis as leader of the Catholic Church.

During his first Sunday midday blessing as pope, he told the crowd below from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, “Never again war.”

Pope Leo demanded an immediate truce in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the provision of humanitarian help in addition to a fair and sustainable peace in Ukraine.

Pope Leo cited Pope Francis in criticising the amount of wars tearing the world apart now, calling it a “third world war in pieces”, in reference to the end of World War II eight decades ago.

Pope Leo also wished all moms, “including those in heaven”, a happy Mother’s Day, pointing out that Sunday is Mother’s Day in many countries.

St. Peter’s Square was crowded with pilgrims, well-wishers, and the curious just hours before Leo was scheduled to make his public appearance. Several marching bands also made impressive entrances into the square.

People swiftly noticed that he had shared tweets and articles about President Donald Trump and his government on multiple occasions over the years, and his speech follows ‘anti-Trump’ accusations.

What has Pope Leo said about Trump?
Most recently, Leo reposted a tweet which reads: “As Trump & Bukele use Oval to Feds’ illicit deportation of a US resident, once an undoc-ed Salvadorean himself, now-DC Aux +Evelio asks, ‘Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?’”

The Independent also reported Leo as resharing a tweet which reads: “There is nothing remotely Christian, American, or morally defensible about a policy that takes children away from their parents and warehouses them in cages. This is being carried out in our name and the shame is on us all.”