Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, in his first Sunday message to crowds in St. Peter’s Square, appealed to the world’s major powers for “no more war” and welcomed ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
The new Pope stepped out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica amid applause and an electric atmosphere to deliver his first Sunday blessing, where he called for a lasting peace across the world.
The pontiff, who was elected on May 8, called for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages, Reuters reported.
“Let us take up the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his Message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people. And let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another,” Leo said.
“In today’s dramatic scenario of a third world war being fought piecemeal, as Pope Francis said, I too turn to the world’s leaders with an ever timely appeal: never again war!” he added.
Speaking on the India-Pakistan ceasefire, he said he was praying to God to grant the world the “miracle of peace.”
“I welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and I hope that through negotiations we can reach a lasting agreement,” Leo said.
