Pope Leo XIV Appeals for Peace at Inaugural Mass

Vatican city, 18 May, 2025 - Pope Leo XIV concluded the Mass of Inauguration of his pontificate on Sunday with a heartfelt plea for peace and support for those suffering due to war.

Addressing a crowd of over 200,000 people and representatives from various nations, Churches, and religions, the Pope expressed deep gratitude for their presence at the Eucharist.

“In the joy of faith and communion, we cannot forget our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of war,” he said.

Pope Leo highlighted the humanitarian crises in several regions. He spoke of the “surviving children, families, and elderly” in Gaza facing starvation amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. He also lamented renewed violence in Myanmar, which has claimed innocent young lives, and called for “a just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.

Following the Mass, Pope Leo held a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife, who were present at the ceremony.

In his Regina Caeli address, he said he felt “the spiritual presence of Pope Francis accompanying us from heaven.”

Entrusting his ministry to the Virgin Mary, under her titles “Star of the Sea” and “Our Lady of Good Counsel,” the Pope concluded: “We implore her intercession for peace, comfort for those who suffer, and the grace to be witnesses to the Risen Lord.”

Courtesy: Vatican News

Image credits: Vatican News