270,000 Pilgrims Gather at Fatima Shrine for Pope Leo XIV's Peace Appeal Amid Ukraine Conflict

On May 12 and 13, 2025, around 270,000 pilgrims gathered at the Fatima sanctuary in Portugal to support Pope Leo XIV and pray for peace. This event coincided with the pope's first public address in St. Peter’s Square, urging world leaders to end wars. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had his first phone call with Pope Leo, discussing ceasefire proposals and inviting him to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The pope also addressed media representatives, emphasizing responsible communication to foster peace.

A Global Gathering for Peace

The sanctuary of Fatima, located less than 150 kilometers north of Lisbon, became a focal point of global Catholic devotion as pilgrims from Portugal, Spain, Poland, the United States, Paraguay, Mauritius, Taiwan, and other nations gathered to mark the anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s first reported apparition in 1917. The annual pilgrimage, held on May 12 and 13, commemorates the six apparitions witnessed by three shepherd children, which the Catholic Church later interpreted as prophetic messages concerning global conflict and religious persecution.

This year’s pilgrimage took on added significance as it became a platform for collective prayer for peace and support for Pope Leo XIV, who was elected following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Church officials reported that approximately 270,000 people attended the event, making it one of the largest gatherings at the shrine in recent years.

Pilgrims Express Hope in New Papacy

Among the faithful was 77-year-old Portuguese pilgrim Conceicao Teixeira, who expressed her hope that Pope Leo would continue the legacy of Pope Francis, known for his emphasis on compassion and humility. “The hearts [of men] are very hard, people do not stop to think and there is so much inhumanity, indifference and iniquity,” she told Reuters before the candlelight procession, a highlight of the evening.

Christel, a 41-year-old pilgrim from Mauritius, said she believed Pope Leo “seems like someone who will make peace and try to get everyone along with him.” Oscar Guarin, a 52-year-old from Paraguay, described the new pope as “very close to the poor and very simple,” echoing the sentiments of many who see continuity between Pope Leo and his predecessor.

Pope Leo XIV’s First Address: A Call for Peace

In his inaugural Sunday address to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV made a direct appeal to global leaders, stating, “No more war.” The message, delivered just weeks after his election, underscored his commitment to peace and diplomacy. “May everything possible be done to reach an authentic, just and lasting peace, as soon as possible,” he said, calling for the release of prisoners and the return of children displaced by conflict.

The pope’s remarks were seen as a continuation of Pope Francis’ frequent appeals for peace, particularly in relation to the war in Ukraine. Pope Leo’s emphasis on a “just peace” echoed the language used by Ukrainian officials, who have consistently stressed the importance of territorial integrity in any resolution to the conflict.

Dialogue with Ukraine: A First Diplomatic Step

On Monday, May 12, Pope Leo XIV held his first known phone call with a foreign leader—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. According to Zelenskiy, the conversation was “very warm and truly substantive.” The two leaders discussed ceasefire proposals, the plight of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia, and broader efforts to end the war.

Zelenskiy extended an invitation for the pope to visit Ukraine, stating on social media, “Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers and to all our people.” The Vatican confirmed that the call took place but did not provide further details. The invitation remains under consideration, with Vatican officials yet to comment publicly on the possibility of a papal visit to the war-torn country.

A Message to the Media: Disarming Communication

In a separate address to media representatives on May 12, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the importance of responsible communication in fostering peace. Quoting Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Social Communications, he urged journalists and communicators to “disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred.” He emphasized the need for “disarmed and disarming communication” that listens to the voices of the weak and marginalized.

This message aligns with the broader theme of Pope Leo’s early papacy: a call for unity, compassion, and dialogue in a world fractured by conflict and division.

A Papacy Rooted in Continuity and Compassion

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, has quickly positioned himself as a spiritual leader committed to peace and social justice. His early actions and statements suggest a desire to build upon the foundation laid by Pope Francis, particularly in areas of diplomacy, humanitarian outreach, and interfaith dialogue.

While his call for peace has been welcomed by many, some Ukrainians expressed disappointment that he did not explicitly name Russian President Vladimir Putin as the aggressor. Nonetheless, his use of the term “just peace” and his focus on the return of displaced children were seen as significant gestures of solidarity with Ukraine.

References

• Pilgrims Gather in Fatima for Peace and Pope Leo XIV | Law-Order
• Audience of the Holy Father Leo XIV to representatives of the media (12 May 2025) | LEO XIV
• Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s address to the media
• Zelensky invites Pope Leo XIV to Ukraine after first phone call
• Pope Leo, in first known call with foreign leader, speaks to Ukraine's Zelenskiy