Pope Leo XIV leads festive Regina Caeli, sends out Mother's Day greeting

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV sent greetings for mothers around the world, “including those who are in heaven”, after leading the prayer for the Blessed Virgin Mary in his first Sunday as pontiff.

More than 100,000 people joined the newly elected pope to recite the Regina Caeli, or a special prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary to rejoice because of Jesus Christ's resurrection at St. Peter's Square, Vatican News reported.

The pontiff also appealed to world leaders for “never again war”, repeating the calls of his predecessor Pope Francis.

“In today’s dramatic context of a third world war fought piecemeal ... I too appeal to the powerful of the world by repeating these ever-relevant words: never again war!”

Leo XIV called for an “authentic, just, and lasting peace” in Ukraine, as well as the release of hostages in Gaza. He also welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

“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,” the pope said, echoing his first-ever message of “peace be with you” upon his announcement as the Catholic Church’s new pontiff on Thursday.

A festive Regina Caeli

Today’s Regina Caeli happened during Good Shepherd Sunday, or the fourth Sunday after Easter.

Hundreds of musical ensembles and marching bands filled the square and its adjoining Via della Conciliazione (Road of Conciliation) with festive anthems. They traveled to Rome for the Jubilee of Bands, which is one of the scheduled events for the Special Year of Jubilee.

“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,” Pope Leo XIV said in his message.

Pope Leo XIV’s activities

Before the praying of Regina Caeli, Pope Leo XIV led a concelebrated Mass at the Tomb of St. Peter in the Vatican Grottoes. He was joined by the head of the Augustinian order, the Reverend Alejandro Moral Anton.

Later, the pope prayed at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

After Pope Leo XIV bestowed blessings to pilgrims, he went to the Apostolic Palace to reopen the papal apartment. Italian media Il Messaggero reported that Pope Leo XIV would reside temporarily at Casa Santa Marta, where the late Pope Francis used to live.

The pontiff, along with several key officials of the Roman Curia, removed the seals in the apostolic palace. These seals were affixed in the afternoon of April 21, following Pope Francis’ passing.

Meanwhile, Italian news agency ANSA reported that more than 5,000 police officers and special forces would be deployed in the Vatican City and Rome as part of a security plan for the pope’s installation on May 18. — BAP, GMA Integrated News