In his first Sunday address, Leo called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.

After Pope Francis' death in April, the papal apartments inside the Apostolic Palace were sealed, a ritual that symbolizes the papal throne is empty and secures his personal papers.

"Let us disarm communication of all prejudice and resentment, fanaticism and even hatred," the pope told the crowd of reporters.