Pope Leo XIV Sings Regina Coeli from St. Peter’s Loggia, Requires Peace in Ukraine and Gaza
Could 11, 2025 — In a shifting and surprising second, Pope Leo XIV sang the standard Regina Coeli prayer in Latin from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica throughout his first Sunday handle as pontiff, charming hundreds of trustworthy gathered in St. Peter’s Sq.. The newly elected pope, previously Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, additionally reiterated his pressing name for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, echoing his earlier plea of “By no means once more battle.”
The Regina Coeli (“Queen of Heaven”), a Marian antiphon recited throughout Eastertide, was delivered with a uncommon private contact as Pope Leo XIV, in a shock to the gang, sang the prayer himself, his voice resonating throughout the sq.. The second, described by attendees as “stunning” and “spiritually uplifting,” marked a big spotlight of his second public look since his election on Could 8, 2025. Vatican Media captured the occasion, and clips shared on social media platforms like X rapidly gained traction, with customers praising the pontiff’s heartfelt supply.
Addressing the estimated 150,000 pilgrims, together with artists celebrating the Jubilee of Bands and Common Leisure, Pope Leo XIV spoke on the importance of Good Shepherd Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. He urged the trustworthy to assist younger folks of their vocational journeys, emphasizing the Church’s want for monks and non secular. “It’s a present that my service as pope begins on at the present time,” he stated, referencing the Gospel of John’s depiction of Jesus because the true Shepherd.
The pontiff then turned to international conflicts, delivering a poignant enchantment for peace. “In at the moment’s dramatic context of a 3rd world battle fought piecemeal, I too enchantment to the highly effective of the world by repeating these ever-relevant phrases: by no means once more battle!” he declared, recalling the eightieth anniversary of the top of World Warfare II on Could 8. Particularly addressing Ukraine, he expressed solidarity with its folks, calling for “a real, simply, and lasting peace,” the discharge of prisoners, and the return of deported kids. For Gaza, he demanded an instantaneous ceasefire, humanitarian support, and the discharge of hostages. He additionally welcomed a current truce between India and Pakistan, expressing hope for a long-lasting settlement.
Pope Leo XIV entrusted his peace enchantment to Mary, Queen of Peace, as he concluded the Regina Coeli. He additionally acknowledged Mom’s Day in Italy, the US, and different international locations, providing a particular greeting to moms worldwide. The gang erupted in cheers of “Viva il Papa!” and “Leone, Leone!” as he blessed them, waving flags from nations throughout the globe.
The occasion, broadcast dwell on Vatican Media, was supported by in depth safety measures, together with 2,000 cops, anti-drone units, and 500 stewards, with massive screens arrange alongside By way of della Conciliazione to accommodate the overflow crowd. Earlier that morning, the pope celebrated Mass within the Vatican Grottoes close to St. Peter’s tomb, a non-public second of prayer earlier than his public look.
This primary Regina Coeli handle units the tone for Pope Leo XIV’s preach, mixing religious management with a powerful ethical stance on international points. As he prepares for his inaugural Mass on Could 18 and a busy week of conferences, together with with worldwide media and Vatican diplomats, the world watches intently to see how this American-born, Peruvian-naturalized pontiff will form the Church’s mission.
This story was reported by NPR’s Vatican correspondent, Silvia Rossi, with extra info from Vatican Information and posts on X.
