Leo urged an end to the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. "I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people," he said. "Let us do everything possible to reach a genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible. May all prisoners be freed and children be able to return to their families."

Following in the footsteps of his predecessors, Leo, the first American pope, is expected to deliver remarks to members of the news media at 11 a.m. local time (5 a.m. Eastern). Many of the journalists reported on the death and funeral of Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, the conclave that elected Leo last week and the first days of his papacy.