Pope Leo XIV begins first week as pontiff with call for peace and unity

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV launches his papacy with press meetings, Vatican diplomacy, and a strong message against global conflict.

Pope Leo XIV delivers his first Sunday blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica following his election, in St. Peter's Square. Photo by Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images

By Clarisa Sendy and Anna Fadiah

Pope Leo XIV begins his first week as pontiff with a full calendar of diplomatic and religious engagements, marking a pivotal start for the new head of the Roman Catholic Church. The 68-year-old American-born pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has already drawn global attention since stepping onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica last Thursday. With humility and resolve, Pope Leo XIV now faces the task of uniting 1.4 billion Catholics across a deeply divided world.

From pomp to papal duties

Following a weekend of solemn ceremonies and jubilant public appearances, Pope Leo XIV begins the work of governing the Holy See. On Monday morning at 11:00 am (0900 GMT), he will be formally introduced to the international press inside the vast audience hall of the Vatican, traditionally used for papal addresses and general audiences. This event marks his first direct engagement with global media since his election.

Later in the week, on Friday, the pope is scheduled to meet with the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See. This audience, an early diplomatic fixture of any papacy, is expected to set the tone for Leo’s approach to foreign policy and the Vatican’s role in global affairs.

The ceremonial high point of the week will come on Sunday, May 18, when Pope Leo presides over his official inauguration mass in St Peter’s Square. The event will be his first public mass as pontiff and is expected to draw tens of thousands of worshippers, clergy, and world leaders to the Vatican. This mass not only marks the beginning of his papacy but also showcases his spiritual priorities to a global audience.

Building continuity with a personal touch

Pope Leo XIV begins his first week as pontiff under the long shadow of his predecessor. Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, left behind a legacy of progressive outreach, humility, and global advocacy for peace and the poor. Many observers already see Leo XIV as a continuation of that legacy.

The new pope's soft-spoken demeanor and missionary background have reassured both clergy and laity. Born in Chicago and later a naturalized citizen of Peru, Leo spent much of his priesthood serving as a missionary in South America. Before being elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2023, he was entrusted with the leadership of the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the most influential Vatican departments.

As pontiff, Leo inherits a Church in need of healing and reform. He must address internal divisions, reinvigorate faith amid rising secularism, and tackle unresolved issues such as the global clergy sex abuse crisis. Vatican insiders suggest that Leo’s inclusive and collaborative style may prove key in navigating these challenges.

Papal calendar: diplomacy and faith

Beyond this week’s introductory meetings and the inauguration mass, Pope Leo’s schedule signals his intention to balance spiritual outreach with diplomatic engagement. On Wednesday, May 21, he will hold his first general audience in Vatican City, a tradition where the pope addresses the public with a reflection and delivers blessings in several languages.

On May 24, Pope Leo will meet with the Roman Curia, the governing body of the Catholic Church. This gathering, which includes high-ranking cardinals and department heads, will be crucial as the pope begins charting a course for his administration. Vatican observers expect him to review the priorities and structure left in place by Francis while imprinting his own vision on church governance.

Global reception and reactions

Reactions to Pope Leo XIV's first appearances have been largely positive, with many expressing hope that he will guide the Church with wisdom and humility. Among the tens of thousands gathered in Vatican City on Sunday were Catholics eager to witness history and offer prayers for the new leader.

“He gives me a lot of hope just trying to bring about the universal language of love and peace for one another, especially in such a divided world that we have today,” said Christina Morey, a 31-year-old visitor from the United States.

Italian pilgrim Leo Mita, 34, emphasized the pope’s universal appeal. “The world’s first pope from the United States actually appeared to be a citizen of the world for rights and for peace,” he said.

These sentiments echo broader expectations that Pope Leo will blend continuity with personal conviction. While Pope Francis occasionally stirred controversy with his bold rhetoric, Leo seems poised to apply a quieter and more diplomatic tone to global affairs.

A call for peace amid global turmoil

On Sunday, Pope Leo did not shy away from addressing the world's many conflicts. Speaking from the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square, he echoed the late Pope Francis’s concern about what has been described as a “third world war fought piecemeal.”

“In today’s dramatic scenario of a third world war... as repeatedly stated by Pope Francis, I also address the powerful of the world, repeating the ever-timely appeal: No more war!” Leo declared.

He made specific reference to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the devastating Israel-Hamas conflict. Calling for “a genuine, just and lasting peace,” Pope Leo urged all parties to seek dialogue and reconciliation. His remarks signal an early commitment to the Vatican’s traditional role as a moral voice in international relations.

The Vatican released a transcript of the pope’s address, highlighting his message on openness and humility: “To know how to listen so as not to judge, not to close doors thinking that we have all the truth and nobody else can tell us anything.”

An inclusive path forward

As Pope Leo XIV begins his first week as pontiff, the world watches to see how he will lead the Catholic Church through a turbulent era. With pressing moral, geopolitical, and internal challenges on the horizon, his words and actions this week set the tone for what may become a transformative papacy.

His call for unity, his message of peace, and his inclusive style have already marked a clear beginning. While the days ahead will bring policy and doctrinal decisions, Pope Leo’s first gestures suggest a shepherd ready to lead with compassion, humility, and purpose.

The coming weeks will test his ability to manage the vast machinery of the Vatican while staying true to his roots as a missionary of service. But as Pope Leo XIV begins his first week as pontiff, he appears poised to blend tradition with transformation in ways that could define the Church for generations to come.