Context:

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first 'Regina Caeli' prayers from St. Peter's balcony, echoing a call for global peace and invoking the Virgin Mary's guidance in following Jesus. As the first American pope, he urged young Catholics to embrace vocations without fear and called for peace in conflict regions such as Ukraine and Gaza. His address followed a visit to the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and reflected continuity in advocating for peace, referencing the 80th anniversary of World War II's end. The pope acknowledged the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, expressing hope for a broader 'miracle of peace' worldwide. In his inaugural address to the College of Cardinals, he emphasized the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and the need for the Church to uphold human dignity amid these new threats.

Dive Deeper:

• Pope Leo XIV, newly elected as the first American pope, held his inaugural 'Regina Caeli' prayers at St. Peter's Square, highlighting a message of global peace and the importance of following Jesus under the Virgin Mary's guidance.

• During his address, he encouraged young Catholics to pursue religious vocations without fear, reinforcing the Church's invitation and Christ's call, and underscoring a welcoming and inclusive tone that has met with mixed reactions.

• Pope Leo XIV's call for peace included specific appeals for an enduring resolution in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the liberation of hostages held by Hamas, reflecting his commitment to addressing international conflicts.

• Following a visit to Pope Francis's tomb, Pope Leo echoed his predecessor's peace advocacy, marking the 80th anniversary of World War II's conclusion and the profound loss it entailed, thus reinforcing the Church's stance on peace.

• In his first official communication with the College of Cardinals, Pope Leo XIV addressed the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, urging the Church to confront these with moral clarity to protect human dignity.

• Acknowledging the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the pope expressed gratitude and prayed for divine intervention to achieve lasting peace, indicative of his broader vision for international harmony.

• Pope Leo XIV's papal name choice is linked to Pope Leo XIII's social justice focus, and he is noted for his linguistic skills and previous role as head of the Dicastery for Bishops, underscoring his unifying approach following Pope Francis's death.