Pope Leo XIV States Heart’s Desires At 1st Sunday Mass

Pope Leo XIV has stated what his heart’s desires on the Papacy are, in his first Sunday blessing since becoming Catholic Pontiff.

The newly elected Pontiff declared these from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St Peter’s Square, while speaking to thousands gathered below.

The 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, his globally anticipated emergence on Thursday followed a two-day conclave of cardinals in Vatican City.

Praising the recent peace agreement between India and Pakistan, as “a hopeful sign in a troubled world”, Pope Leo XIV also called for

1. A ceasefire in Gaza
2. A resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
3. The world to strive for a lasting peace wherever else, violence and hatred persist.

The Pope then led the faithful in reciting the Regina Caeli prayer, traditionally offered in honour of the Virgin Mary during the Easter season.

Pope Leo XIV is the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church was chosen on Thursday following a two-day conclave of cardinals in Vatican City. He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away last month. On Saturday, Leo visited a shrine outside Rome and later prayed before Francis’ tomb at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

In remarks to cardinals that same day, he described himself as “an unworthy choice” for the papacy, but pledged to carry on the “precious legacy” of his predecessor. He underscored his commitment to missionary work, dialogue, and the Church’s outreach to the marginalised.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Pope Francis Is Dead Aged 88- Vatican

READ ALSO: After Pope Francis Defied Doctor’s Warnings At Palm Sunday..

“The least and the rejected must never be forgotten,” he emphasized.

The new pontiff also explained his choice of name, saying he drew inspiration from Pope Leo XIII, the 19th-century reformer known for his pioneering teachings on social justice. He noted that today’s world with its rapid technological shifts and growing inequality, makes the Church’s mission more urgent than ever.

“In an era of artificial intelligence and scientific advancement,” he said, “the Church remains a necessary defender of human dignity and justice.”

Pope Leo will be formally inaugurated during a public Mass in St Peter’s Square on May 18.

Agency reports reckon his first week as a whirlwind witnessing amongst others,  his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel on Friday, multiple high-level meetings, and growing signals of a papacy likely to focus on compassion, reform, and peace-building.

He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away last month.