Pope Leo XIV in his first Sunday appearance at the Vatican, made an appeal to world leaders, urging an end to global conflicts and advocating for peace.
Gatekeepers News reports that addressing the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the newly elected pontiff called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine, and praised the recent truce between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo said, “ “The immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago… now we’re facing the tragedy of a third world war in pieces.”
“I would also like to address the powerful people of the world, repeating the always-current call: ‘no more war’.”
“I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people.”
“May whatever is possible be done to reach an authentic, true and lasting peace as quickly as possible. May all the prisoners be freed. May children return to their families.”
“And I am deeply hurt by what is happening in the Gaza Strip.”
“May a ceasefire immediately come into effect. May humanitarian aid be allowed into the civilian population and may all hostages be freed.”
“I was happy to hear on the other hand that there was a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through the coming negotiations we might soon come to a lasting accord.”
Recall that Pope Leo, who succeeds the late Pope Francis, was elected on Thursday after a two-day conclave in Vatican City. The successful election was announced through the signal of a white smoke, followed by an address where his name was announced.
On Saturday, he visited a Marian shrine outside Rome before praying at Francis’ tomb inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. His formal inauguration is scheduled for May 18 in St. Peter’s Square.
