VATICAN CITY — Something very special happened in Rome! On his first Sunday as the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV led a big prayer called the Regina Caeli (it means “Queen of Heaven”) at St. Peter’s Square. This is a prayer to Mother Mary to celebrate that Jesus rose from the dead.
Guess what? More than 100,000 people came to join him! That’s like filling up a huge stadium with people from all over the world!
And since it was Mother’s Day, Pope Leo XIV gave a sweet message to mothers everywhere, even moms who have passed away and are now in heaven. ❤️
The Pope’s Message: “No More War”
The Pope also had a serious message. He said we need peace in the world. He asked leaders and powerful people to stop fighting and not let any more wars happen. He especially prayed for:
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Peace in Ukraine (a country where there’s a war)
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Hostages to be freed in Gaza (a place where people are being held)
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And he was happy to hear that India and Pakistan agreed to stop fighting
The Pope said he gives this message to Mother Mary, who he calls the Queen of Peace, and asked her to help bring peace to the whole world.
A Joyful and Musical Day 🎶
The prayer happened on Good Shepherd Sunday—the fourth Sunday after Easter. And wow—it was a big celebration!
Marching bands and music groups from many places came to Rome to join the event called the Jubilee of Bands. They played happy music on the streets leading to the square. The Pope said their music made the celebration extra joyful and thanked them for bringing smiles to everyone.
What Else Did Pope Leo XIV Do?
Before the prayer, Pope Leo XIV did a special Mass (a holy Catholic ceremony) inside the Vatican Grottoes, where St. Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles, is buried.
Then, he went to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis, the pope who led before him and who passed away.
After that, he gave blessings to the people and went to the Apostolic Palace, which is where popes usually live. He helped reopen the doors that had been sealed when Pope Francis died. But for now, Pope Leo XIV will live at Casa Santa Marta, the same place where Pope Francis stayed.
Keeping Everyone Safe
Since the Pope is new and lots of people are coming to see him, over 5,000 police officers will help keep everyone safe in Vatican City and Rome—especially for his official installation as pope on May 18.
So, on his first Sunday as Pope, Leo XIV prayed with the people, said thank you to moms, asked for peace, and joined in a day filled with faith, music, and love. 🌍🙏🎺❤️
