During a Sunday blessing at the conclusion of his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV appealed for peace in Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine.

He expressed hope that negotiations would lead to a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and offered prayers for the people of Gaza — especially children, families, and the elderly — who he said are “reduced to hunger.”

Unlike Pope Francis, Pope Leo made no reference to the hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

He also spoke of Myanmar, where renewed violence has claimed innocent young lives, and recalled sensing the spiritual presence of Pope Francis during the Mass, saying he “strongly felt the spiritual presence of Pope Francis accompanying us from heaven.”

Pope Leo delivered the Regina Caeli prayer from the altar in front of St. Peter’s Basilica following the Eucharistic celebration, which marked the official beginning of his pontificate. The ceremony was attended by an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, as well as world leaders, patriarchs, and royalty.