STORY: Pope Leo XIV prayed for all people suffering from war on Sunday (May 25), as he delivered his first address from the window of the papal apartments in Vatican City.

“We invoke courage and perseverance for all those engaged in dialogue and the sincere search for peace,” Leo said after leading the Regina Caeli prayer.

No pontiff had appeared from the window overlooking St. Peter's Square since February 2, when it was the late Pope Francis who delivered the traditional weekly message.

Leo mentioned his predecessor during his sermon, recalling Francis' encyclical 'Laudato si' on environmental protection, which was signed ten years ago.

The new pope, who was elected on May 8, also thanked the faithful for the affection they were showing him, asking them to support him through "prayers and closeness."

Later in the afternoon, Leo is expected to visit Rome's city hall, where he will greet the mayor. He will then take possession of the Basilica of St. John Lateran and the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (MAY 25, 2025) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. POPE LEO APPEARING AT WINDOW OF PAPAL APARTMENTS

2. POPE WAVING FROM WINDOW

3. PEOPLE IN ST. PETER’S SQUARE WAVING

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO WAVING AND SAYING:

“Dear brothers and sisters, good Sunday.”

5. PEOPLE IN ST. PETER’S SQUARE

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING (SOUNDBITE STARTS FROM PREVIOUS SHOT):

“I am still at the beginning of my ministry among you. First of all, I wish to thank you for the affection you are showing me, while I ask you to support me with your prayers and closeness.”

7. TAPESTRY OF NEW PAPAL COAT OF ARMS

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“With these sentiments, our prayer embraces all peoples suffering from war. We invoke courage and perseverance for all those engaged in dialogue and the sincere search for peace.”

9. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“Ten years ago, Pope Francis signed the encyclical 'Laudato si', dedicated to the care of the common home. It had an extraordinary diffusion.”

11. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

12. POPE LEADING PRAYER

13. PEOPLE IN SQUARE DURING PRAYER

14. PEOPLE GIVING BLESSING

15. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

16. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“I wish everyone a good Sunday.”

17. PEOPLE IN SQUARE APPLAUDING

18. POPE WAVING TO PEOPLE IN SQUARE AND LEAVING