After his first Regina Coeli, Pope Leo XIV appeals for the end of conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and on the India / Pakistan border.
By Francesca Merlo
Pope Leo XIV appeared at the window of the Apostolic Palace for his very first Regina Coeli address on Sunday, May 11. Addressing the faithful gathered on the square of Saint-Pierre and countless others worldwide, he echoes the cry for the peace of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
“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: War never again!“”
A cry for Ukraine and Gaza
He recalled, first, “the immense tragedy of the Second World War”, which ended 80 years ago, on May 8, “after causing 60 million dead”.
Pope Leo then turned to modern wars that torment the world today: “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people”, he said, urging that “all the efforts are made to achieve true, fair and lasting peace as soon as possible”.
“That all prisoners are released and children have returned to their family,” he said.
He then turned to the current humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip. “I am deeply seen by what is happening,” he said. “Let the fights stop immediately, let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and all hostages can be released.”
Hope and a sincere attraction
With a feeling of hope, Pope Leo XIV then praised the recent announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. “I hope that, thanks to future negotiations, a sustainable agreement could soon be concluded,” he said.
However, he continued, “How many other conflicts are there in the world?”
Finally, Pope Leo entrusted his “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.”
