Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural Sunday address at the Vatican, in which he emphasised the urgent need for “no more war.”
In his message regarding contemporary conflicts, the newly appointed pontiff called for a “lasting peace” in Ukraine, advocated for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and expressed approval of the agreement reached on Saturday to halt recent hostilities between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo conveyed his profound distress over the events unfolding in Gaza, expressed optimism for a “lasting accord” between India and Pakistan, and articulated a desire for an “authentic, true, and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
In addition, the Pope recited the Regina Caeli prayer in honour of the Virgin Mary to the assembled congregation in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Leo was elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, following a two-day conclave in Vatican City that occurred after the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
On Saturday, he visited a shrine located outside Rome and prayed at the tomb of Pope Francis within the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. A formal inauguration ceremony will take place during a Mass in St. Peter’s Square on May 18.
In his remarks from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he noted, “The immense tragedy of the Second World War concluded 80 years ago; now we confront the potential emergence of a third world war in fragments. I also wish to address the influential leaders of the world, reiterating the timeless call: ‘no more war.'”
The pontiff added, “I carry with me the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian populace. All feasible measures must be taken to attain an authentic, true, and lasting peace without delay. Additionally, all detainees should be released, and children must be reunited with their families.”
He further stated, “I am profoundly saddened by the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip. A ceasefire must be implemented immediately, and humanitarian aid should be permitted to reach the civilian population while ensuring the release of all hostages.”
Conversely, he expressed contentment regarding the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan and expressed hope for a lasting accord through the continuation of negotiations.
These remarks coincided with the proposals put forward by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, each outlining competing plans for a peace process aimed at resolving the ongoing three-year invasion of Ukraine.
In the Middle East, Israel has suspended all humanitarian aid to Gaza and resumed military operations in the territory following the breakdown of a two-month ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement.
This week has proven to be eventful for the pontiff, who conducted his first Mass as Pope in the Sistine Chapel on Friday before addressing members of the College of Cardinals on Saturday.