The pope's inauguration mass at St Peter's Square on Sunday, May 18 will be a far grander affair -- his first public mass as pope, during which he will preside before thousands of worshippers and world leaders.

Pope Leo XIV has called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza with the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid.

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!