Pope Leo XIV calls for end to wars in Ukraine, Gaza

PHOTO: Pope Leo XIV waves during his first Reginal Caeli prayer from the main central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, May 11, 2025.

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Vatican Media/AFP via Getty Images

Pope Leo XIV addressed crowds at the Vatican Sunday

The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday evening local time, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.

American Cardinal Robert Prevost was shortly thereafter announced as the 267th pontiff. He chose the name Leo XIV, a senior cardinal deacon announced.

The 69-year-old Chicago native is the first American pope and is seen as a diplomat in the church.

"This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you," Leo said in Italian in his first remarks as pope. "This is the peace of the risen Christ."

Tune in to "The American Pope: Leo XIV," a special edition of "20/20," streaming now on Hulu and Disney+.

May 12, 2025 9:00 AM

Pope calls for end to wars in Ukraine, Gaza

Addressing crowds in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV noted the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and -- echoing his predecessor Pope Francis -- declared, "Never again war."

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Pope Leo XIV waves during his first Reginal Caeli prayer from the main central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, May 11, 2025.

Vatican Media/AFP via Getty Images

Leo urged an end to the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. "I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people," he said. "Let us do everything possible to reach a genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible. May all prisoners be freed and children be able to return to their families."

"I am deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip," he added. "Let the fire cease immediately. Let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population and let all hostages be freed."

"On the other hand, I welcomed with satisfaction the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through the upcoming negotiations we can soon reach a lasting agreement," Leo continued.

-ABC News' Phoebe Natanson

May 11, 2025 10:48 AM

Pope Leo XIV speaks to faithful

Pope Leo XIV addressed crowds at the Vatican on Sunday, asking those gathered to pray for the priesthood.

Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images

Pope Leo XIV delivers the Regina Caeli prayer from the main central loggia balcony of St. Peter's basilica in the Vatican, on May 11, 2025.

Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images

The new pope spoke to the crowd to give the Regina Caeli prayer. Police estimated that there were around 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square to watch Leo's address.

-ABC News’ Phoebe Natanson

May 12, 2025 9:00 AM

Leo prays at Francis' tomb

On his way back to the Vatican, Leo stopped by the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and prayed before the tomb of Pope Francis, according to the Vatican press office.

He also prayed at the icon of the Virgin, Salus Populi Romani, that is the same icon Pope Francis used to visit before and after every foreign visit and in other occasions.

-ABC News' Phoebe Natanson

May 10, 2025 9:16 PM

Pope Leo must carefully thread needle between Catholic mission, US politics: Experts

In an instant, Cardinal Robert Prevost became the most powerful and influential American Catholic when he was selected to be pope and renamed Pope Leo XIV on May 8.

But with the United States' standing in the world on edge with President Donald Trump in office, experts say many will be watching the first American to lead the Catholic Church to see how he walks the tightrope between Western politics and his papal duties.

Vatican experts told ABC News that Leo must thread that needle effortlessly, with a focus on leading from a global perspective.

Francesco Sforza/Vatican Media Handout via Reuters

Pope Leo XIV gestures during a surprise visit at the Sanctuary of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, Rome, Italy, May 10, 2025.

Francesco Sforza/Vatican Media Handout via Reuters

"I suspect he will be scrupulous and careful to avoid the thought that he is an American and not a Christian view," the Rev. Stephen Spahn, an assistant teaching professor of theology at Loyola University Maryland, told ABC News. "He is going to be a bridge builder and build relationships with world leaders broadly."

At the same time, experts predicted Leo will not hesitate to speak out on U.S. matters from his seat when needed.

Spahn said cardinals have always come to their decisions knowing that the man who becomes pontiff will have to work within the geopolitical environment in pushing forward the Catholic Church's mission.

"It's definitely going to trail him. How could it not?" he said of the pope's Americanism. "But the cardinals have said they chose him without any regard to his nationality."

-ABC News' Ivan Pereira