In his first Sunday address since becoming the new head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV issued a strong plea for world peace, urging international leaders to commit to ending ongoing conflicts.
The 69-year-old pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, officially succeeded Pope Francis on May 8. During his inaugural Sunday blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he addressed the crowd with a resounding message: “Never again war.”
He praised the recent ceasefire deal between India and Pakistan and called for enduring peace in Ukraine, along with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He also emphasized the urgent need to release hostages and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, Pope Leo invoked the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, describing the current global climate as a “third world war in pieces” due to the many ongoing conflicts.
Marking the occasion of Mother’s Day in many countries, he also extended warm wishes to all mothers—“including those in heaven.”
Ahead of his appearance, St. Peter’s Square was filled with pilgrims, curious onlookers, and marching bands creating a celebratory atmosphere.
However, Pope Leo’s early days in the papacy have also sparked discussion due to resurfaced social media activity and articles perceived as critical of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
What Has Pope Leo Said About Trump?
Pope Leo has previously reshared posts on social media criticizing Trump-era policies, especially regarding immigration. One tweet he reposted stated:
“As Trump & Bukele use the Oval Office to deport a U.S. resident—himself once an undocumented Salvadoran—now-DC Auxiliary Bishop Evelio asks: ‘Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?’”
He also reshared a tweet condemning the family separation policy at the U.S. border:
“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.”
Leo has also taken issue with Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance, for remarks made earlier this year. He reshared an opinion piece from the National Catholic Reporter titled: “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others,” a response to Vance’s claim on Fox News that Christians should prioritize love for family and country over outsiders.
Some of Leo’s criticism dates back nearly a decade. In July 2015, he reposted an article by Cardinal Timothy Dolan published in The Washington Post titled: “Why Donald Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric is so problematic.”
These posts have resurfaced just days after Trump responded to Leo’s election via Truth Social, writing:
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.
What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.
I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”