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Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine and Gaza

Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine and Gaza

Newly-elected Pope Leo XIV Urges Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Action in War-torn Regions During First Major Address

Malik Rafaiy
May 11, 2025

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Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in Ukraine and Gaza

In his first Sunday blessing as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful appeal for peace, focusing on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Addressing a crowd of approximately 100,000 gathered in St. Peter’s Square, he called for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine and demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for the release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Key Points from Pope Leo XIV’s Address

Ukraine: Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern for the suffering of the Ukrainian people, urging all efforts to achieve a genuine, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible. He specifically called for the liberation of war prisoners and the reunification of Ukrainian children with their families.
Gaza: The pope demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and insisted on the release of all hostages held by Hamas. He stressed the importance of allowing humanitarian relief to reach the exhausted civilian population.
Global Conflicts: Leo echoed the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, describing the current era as a “third world war in pieces” and condemning the multitude of ongoing conflicts worldwide.
Appeal to World Powers: He addressed global leaders directly, reiterating the urgent plea: “never again war”.
Personal Touches: Marking a departure from tradition, Pope Leo XIV delivered his blessing from the center of St. Peter’s Square rather than the Apostolic Palace window and sang the Regina Caeli prayer. He also acknowledged Mother’s Day, extending warm wishes to mothers around the world.

Context and Significance

This address was Pope Leo XIV’s first major public appearance since his election as the first American pope on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. His message was notable for its directness and its continuation of the Vatican’s advocacy for peace and humanitarian action in conflict zones.

Pope Leo’s appeal was widely seen as a call for renewed diplomatic efforts and moral leadership from the international community to end violence and alleviate suffering in Ukraine, Gaza, and beyond.

“Let everything be done to achieve genuine, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible.” - Pope Leo XIV

Broader Impact

Pope Leo XIV’s message resonated with the diverse crowd in St. Peter’s Square, which included pilgrims from around the world, and was amplified by the global media. His stance reinforces the Vatican’s ongoing commitment to peace and humanitarian principles, urging world leaders to prioritize dialogue and compassion over conflict.