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Pope Leo XIV called for an end to war in the world as he greeted crowds from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, in his second official public appearance since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church.
“Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!” proclaimed the first pontiff from the United States, addressing tens of thousands in St Peter’s Square gathered underneath him who cheered, applauded wildly and enthusiastically waved flags.
The new Chicago-born pope did not shy from world events in his public address following a prayer to the Virgin Mary, as he cited the recent 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a conflict which killed 60 million people.
