Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Peace in First Sunday Address

Vatican: Pope Leo XIV has appealed for no more war in his first Sunday address at the Vatican, urging world powers to pursue peace.

Reflecting on current global conflicts, the newly elected pontiff called for a lasting resolution to the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and welcomed Saturday’s agreement to end recent hostilities between India and Pakistan.

He expressed that he was deeply hurt by the suffering in Gaza, voiced hope for a lasting accord between India and Pakistan, and wished for an authentic, true, and lasting peace in Ukraine.

On Saturday, Pope Leo visited a shrine outside Rome and later prayed at the tomb of Pope Francis inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Pope Leo XIV is set to be formally inaugurated during a mass in St. Peter’s Square on 18 May.