VATICAN CITY – In his first Sunday blessing as pope, Pope Leo XIV issued a passionate plea for peace in Gaza and Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid for suffering civilians.
Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica following the Regina Caeli prayer, Pope Leo said, “I am deeply pained by what is happening,” referring to the conflict in Gaza. “Let the fighting cease immediately, let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and may all hostages be released.”
Turning to the ongoing war in Ukraine, he added, “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people,” urging world leaders to work toward “a true, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible.”
Quoting Pope Francis, he described the global crisis as a “third world war fought piecemeal,” and echoed his predecessor’s appeal to global powers: “Never again war!”
Pope Leo also expressed hope for a lasting peace between India and Pakistan following news of a ceasefire, and he offered prayers for enduring reconciliation.
This appearance comes just days after Pope Leo was elected the 267th pontiff, succeeding the late Pope Francis. At 69 years old, the Chicago-born missionary becomes the first pope from the United States. He previously served for many years in Peru as a missionary, bishop, and archbishop. He is an alumnus of Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
During the blessing, Pope Leo wore a simple white cassock and his silver pectoral cross. Marking Mother’s Day, he extended heartfelt wishes to mothers around the world, including “those in heaven.”
He concluded his address with a prayer to Mary, Queen of Peace, asking her to “obtain for us the miracle of peace.”
