VATICAN CITY - In his inaugural Sunday noon blessing, Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States, made a fervent appeal for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. Speaking from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica to an estimated crowd of 100,000, the newly elected Pope emphasized the urgent need for conflict resolution [1][2][3][4].

'I, too, address the world's great powers by repeating the ever-present call 'never again war,'' Leo declared, calling for 'a genuine and just peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza' [1][2][3][4].

This blessing marked Leo's first return to the loggia since his historic election on Thursday evening, where he initially delivered a message of peace [1][2][3][4]. The event also showcased some departures from papal tradition, potentially signaling a new approach to his pontificate.

Unlike his predecessors who typically delivered the greeting from the Apostolic Palace window, Pope Leo XIV chose to speak from the center of St. Peter's Square, symbolically placing himself at 'the heart of the church' [1][2][3]. This gesture, along with others during the blessing, suggested a message of unity in what observers describe as a polarized Catholic Church [1][2][3][4].

The Pope's choice of location and his call for peace carry significant weight in the context of ongoing global conflicts. His words resonate particularly in Ukraine, where a war with Russia continues, and in Gaza, which has seen prolonged conflict [1][2][3][4].

As the first American pope in history, Leo XIV's election and early actions are being closely watched for indications of potential shifts in the Church's approach to global issues and internal matters [3].

In a nod to the day's significance in many countries, the Pope also offered wishes for a Happy Mother's Day, broadening his message beyond geopolitical concerns to touch on familial and cultural aspects [1][2].

This Sunday blessing, a long-standing papal tradition, serves as a platform for the Pope to address the faithful and the world at large. Pope Leo XIV's inaugural address in this format has set a tone of peace, unity, and engagement with pressing global issues [1][2][3][4].