Pope Leo sings first Regina Caeli, prays for vocations, world peace

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Source: Vatican Media

Today, the Holy Father Leo XIV appeared on the Central Loggia of the Vatican Basilica, for the second time since his election, to lead the Regina Caeli prayer with more than 100,000 pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square.

During his introductory words said he considered it a gift that his first Sunday in his service as Pope was on Good Shepherd Sunday. He prayed for vocations to the priesthood an religious life. He mentioned that Rome was hosting the Jubilee of Musical Bands and Popular Shows.

After singing the Regina Caeli, Pope Leo appealed for peace in the world, naming Ukraine and Gaza. He said: "After the immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago, on May 8, after having caused 60 million victims. In today's dramatic scenario of a third world war in pieces, as Pope Francis has repeatedly stated, I too turn to the great men of the world, repeating the ever-timely appeal: "Never again war!"

"I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. Let everything possible be done to reach an authentic, 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. Let the war cease immediately! Let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population and let all hostages be freed."

After greeting the various groups of pilgrims present in the square, Pope Leo concluded with warm wishes and prayers for all mothers - including those "already in Heaven", wishing all mothers a happy Mothers Day. He thanked all those present and wished everyone a Happy Sunday.

An English translation of the official Italian text follows:

Before the Regina Caeli

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

I consider it a gift from God that the first Sunday of my service as Bishop of Rome is that of the Good Shepherd, the fourth of Easter time. On this Sunday, the Gospel of John, chapter ten, is always proclaimed in the Mass, in which Jesus reveals himself as the true Shepherd, who knows and loves his sheep and gives his life for them.

On this Sunday, for sixty-two years, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations has been celebrated. And today Rome also hosts the Jubilee of Musical Bands and Popular Shows. I greet all these pilgrims with affection and I thank them because with their music and their performances they enliven the celebration, the celebration of Christ the Good Shepherd: yes, it is He who guides the Church with his Holy Spirit.

In the Gospel, Jesus says that he knows his sheep, and that they listen to his voice and follow him (see John 10:27). Indeed, as Pope Saint Gregory the Great teaches, people "respond to the love of those who love them" (Homily 14, 3-6). Today, therefore, brothers and sisters, I have the joy of praying with you and with all the People of God for vocations, especially those to the priesthood and religious life. The Church needs them so much! And it is important that young men and women find, in our communities, welcome, listening, encouragement in their vocational journey, and that they can count on credible models of generous dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters.

Let us make our own the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his Message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people. And let us ask the heavenly Father to be for one another, each according to his or her own state, shepherds "according to his or her own heart" (cf. Jer 3:15), capable of helping one another to walk in love and truth. And to young people I say: "Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord!"

May the Virgin Mary, whose life was entirely a response to the Lord's call, always accompany us in following Jesus.

After the Regina Caeli

Brothers and sisters,

After the immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago, on May 8, after having caused 60 million victims. In today's dramatic scenario of a third world war in pieces, as Pope Francis has repeatedly stated, I too turn to the great men of the world, repeating the ever-timely appeal: "Never again war!"

I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. Let everything possible be done to reach an authentic, 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. Let the war cease immediately! Let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population and let all hostages be freed.

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.

But how many other conflicts are there in the world! I entrust this heartfelt appeal to the Queen of Peace so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace.

And now I greet you all with affection, Romans and pilgrims from various countries. I greet the members of the British and Foreign Bible Society, the group of doctors from Granada (Spain), the faithful from Malta, Panama, Dallas (Texas), Valladolid, Torrelodones (Madrid), Montesilvano and Cinisi (Palermo).

I greet the participants in the demonstration "Let's Choose Life" and the young people of the Fraternity of Santa Maria Immacolata and San Francesco di Assisi of Reggio Emilia.

Today in Italy and in other countries we celebrate Mother's Day. I send a warm greeting to all mothers, with a prayer for them and for those who are already in Heaven.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers!

Thank you all! Happy Sunday to everyone!

Watch Pope Leo XIV's first Regina Caeli on Vatican Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gDRJrMK0M0