Pope Leo XIV appeals to world powers for ‘no more war’ in first Sunday appearance

Pope Leo XIV delivers the Regina Caeli prayer from the main central loggia balcony of St Peter’s basilica in The Vatican, on May 11, 2025.

Alberto Pizzoli | Afp | Getty Images

Pope Leo XIV appealed to the world’s major powers for “no more war”, in his first Sunday message to crowds in St. Peter’s Square since his election as pontiff.

The new pope, elected on May 8, called for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza and release of all Israeli hostages.

Leo also welcomed the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and said he was praying to God to grant the world the “miracle of peace.”

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