A New Voice for Peace: Leo XIV's First Sunday Blessing

Newly appointed Pope Leo XIV made his debut at the Sunday noon blessing, choosing a unique approach to convey his message of peace. This was not just any blessing. Leo XIV decided to break tradition and stand at the heart of St. Peter’s Square, right in the middle of the action. This was a bold move, especially for someone who had only been in the role for a few days. He was the first American to hold the position, and he was already making waves. Leo XIV didn’t just talk about peace; he sang about it. He chose to sing the Regina Caeli prayer, a Latin hymn typically recited by previous popes. This small change added a personal touch to the ceremony, showing that Leo XIV was willing to put his own spin on things. He also opted for a simpler white cassock and his usual silver pectoral cross, instead of the more elaborate one he wore during his first appearance. Leo XIV’s message was clear: he wanted peace, and he wanted it now. He spoke about the conflicts around the world, calling them a “third world war in pieces. ”He had a special mention for Ukraine, expressing his concern for the suffering of the Ukrainian people. He urged for the release of war prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children to their families. He also welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, showing that he was keeping an eye on global events. But Leo XIV didn’t stop at Ukraine. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, demanding humanitarian aid for the civilian population and the release of all hostages. He reminded everyone that it was Mother’s Day in many countries, sending his wishes to all mothers, including those who had passed away. The crowd was electric, filled with marching bands and pilgrims from all over the world. People had been waiting for hours, eager to see the new pope. Angela Gentile, who had arrived three hours early, was thrilled to see Leo XIV on the central balcony. She trusted that the Holy Spirit had guided the cardinals’ choice. More than 50 pilgrims from Houston, Texas, were also present, waving American flags and showing their pride. The Rev. Dominic Nguyen, who led the Vietnamese American group, hoped that Leo XIV would be happy to see the diversity of the crowd, representing the universality of the church. Leo XIV’s background as a missionary in Peru added another layer to his story. He had spent most of his priestly life in Peru, and he recalled this experience in his first speech. Bertha Santander, a Peruvian woman living in Italy, was overjoyed to see her countryman become pope. She had been waiting for hours to unfurl her Peruvian flag and celebrate the historic moment. Leo XIV’s first week as pope was packed with events. He celebrated a private Mass near the tomb of St. Peter, the traditional burial place of the first pope. He also prayed before the tomb of Francis, his predecessor. Born in Chicago, Leo XIV was elected the 267th pope following Francis’ death. He had a busy week ahead, with audiences and his formal installation Mass coming up.