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Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in first Pentecost message
The new Pope Leo XIV called for peace around the world in his first Pentecost address on Sunday.
Speaking to tens of thousands of people in St Peter's Square, the first US-born head of the Catholic Church emphasized that peace must come from the heart.
"Only a peaceful heart can spread peace in the family, society, and international relations," said Leo. He stressed the need to engage in dialogue, even in times of war.
With a view to the numerous armed conflicts around the world, the 69-year-old added: "May the spirit of the risen Christ open paths of reconciliation wherever there is war. May he enlighten those who govern and give them the courage to take steps towards de-escalation and dialogue."
The former cardinal was elected as the successor to the late pope Francis exactly one month ago.
As pontiff, Leo - born Robert Francis Prevost - is the head of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. At the Pentecost Mass in St Peter's Square, he also called for "walls of indifference and hatred" to be torn down.
"Where there is love, there is no room for prejudice, for 'security' zones separating us from our neighbours, for the exclusionary mindset that, tragically, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms," Leo said.
According to the Vatican, 80,000 people gathered in St Peter's Square for the address.
The Catholic Church is celebrating a Jubilee in 2025 as it does every 25 years. As a result, there are even more pilgrims and tourists in Rome than usual.
