Pope Leo XIV made his debut on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, leading the Regina Coeli prayer. He also spoke clearly about his stance on the war in Ukraine. "I too appeal to the powerful of the world by repeating these ever-relevant words: never again war!

Leo said the world was living through "the dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal," repeating a phrase coined by Pope Francis.

Pope Leo XIV has called on the world's powers to end major conflicts, in his first Sunday message to masses of faithful followers in St Peter's Square since his election as pontiff.