Pope Leo XIV called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza with the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid in his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff.
Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to an estimated 100,000 people, Pope Leo XIV calls for peace, as he echoed the peace-driven legacy of his predecessor, Pope Francis, saying, “I, too, address the world’s great powers by repeating the ever-present call ‘never again war.”
The Pope expressed his deep concern for the suffering of the Ukrainian people, calling for the release of prisoners and the reunification of separated families.
He also welcomed the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, hoping it would lead to a lasting agreement.
The crowd, filled with marching bands in town for a special Jubilee weekend, erupted in cheers and music as the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled.
Leo, who is the first American pope, also wished all mothers, including those in heaven a Happy Mother’s Day, with the US among many countries celebrating the occasion on Sunday.
