Pope Leo XIV calls for no more war
VATICAN CITY — In his first Sunday message since becoming pope, Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt appeal to the world’s major powers: “No more war!” This powerful call for peace was delivered to tens of thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square just days after his election on May 8.
The new pontiff stressed the urgent need for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine, called for a ceasefire in Gaza, and demanded the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants. His message echoed the spirit of the late Pope Francis, especially as the world recently marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which claimed some 60 million lives.
Peace hopes amid global conflicts and ceasefires
Pope Leo XIV highlighted the recent fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan, praising the overnight negotiations and expressing his prayers for a “miracle of peace” worldwide. He reminded the crowd that, despite this positive step, many other conflicts persist across the globe.
Reflecting on the current state of the world, the pope described it as living through “the dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal,” a phrase previously used by Pope Francis. He also shared his deep concern for the “suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine” amid ongoing violence. Hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested direct talks with Ukraine to end their three-year war, Pope Leo XIV urged all parties to pursue negotiations for a just and lasting peace.
Turning to the war in Gaza, the pope expressed profound sadness and called for an immediate ceasefire. He also appealed for humanitarian aid and the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
US-born Pope addresses crowd in Italian
Before his election, Cardinal Robert Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV — was relatively unknown on the world stage. The first US-born pope, he spent decades as a missionary in Peru before taking a senior Vatican role two years ago.
During his first address to the crowd, estimated by Italian authorities to exceed 100,000 people, he spoke fluently in Italian. The event coincided with a pilgrimage to Rome featuring marching bands from around the world. As the pope prepared to speak, bands played lively tunes such as “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People and John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” adding a festive atmosphere to the solemn occasion.
Interestingly, Pope Leo XIV has not mentioned his American roots in any public appearance since his election, a silence that has stirred some criticism from conservative circles in the US.
Despite this, his message remains clear and universal: the world must come together to end conflict and embrace peace.