Pope Leo XIV offers his blessing from the central balcony of the Saint-Pierre Basilica for his first blessing on Sunday after his election, on Saint-Pierre square at the Vatican, Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Andrew Medichini / AP
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Andrew Medichini / AP
Rome-Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in Gaza and at the end of the war in Ukraine on Sunday, in his first blessing of Sunday noon as a pontiff since his election. He spoke of the Saint-Pierre Basilica loggia.
“I am deeply painful by what is happening,” said Leo, referring to the war in Gaza. “That fighting ceases immediately, that humanitarian aid is provided to the exhausted civilian population and that all hostages are released.”
Leo also talked about the war in Ukraine, saying: “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people.” He urged this: “All efforts are made to achieve true, fair and lasting peace as soon as possible.”
And he quoted Pope Francis by saying that world conflicts affecting so many people in the world are equivalent to a “War of the World of the World in pieces”.
“In the dramatic context of today of a third world war, I fought in the spot … I also call on the powerful of the world by repeating these always relevant words: never again war!” He said.
Leo praised the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and said that he hoped there could be a lasting agreement.
These words have come, because many around the world get to know the new pontiff and are impatient to see what problems will be at the forefront of its papacy.
Thursday, Leo was elected 267th pope, after the death of Francis last month. The missionary born in Chicago, 69, who attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania, is the first pope of the United States. Previously, he spent many years as a missionary, pastor bishop and archbishop in Peru.
The new pope’s remarks came after the prayer of Regina Caeli (queen of the sky). It is generally recited by the popes, but was sung by Pope Leo.
Bearing the simple white strain of the papacy and its silver pectoral cross, Pope Leo also noted that this Sunday is Mother’s Day in many countries, and wanted all mothers, “including those of paradise” a good Mother’s Day.
He ended with a “sincere attraction” to Mary Queen of Peace “, so that she can present her to the Lord Jesus and obtain for us the miracle of peace.”
