Pope Leo Called For Peace In Gaza And Ukraine, Saying "Never Again War" In His First Sunday Address

Pope Leo XIV has called for peace and a ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine in his first Sunday address after being appointed the new pope.

69-year-old Pope Leo was selected by the conclave in the Vatican on May 8 as the new pope and the first American pope.

On May 11, he delivered his first Sunday address to about 100,000 people at St. Peter’s Basilica, saying “never again war” and warning of a “piecemeal third world war” or a third world war in fragments, referencing his predecessor Pope Francis who repeatedly called for peace around the world and a ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine and remembering World War II in its 80th anniversary, which killed more than 60 million people.

Leo called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging for humanitarian aid to reach the “exhausted civilian population” and the release of all hostages, saying he is “deeply saddened by what is happening in Gaza.”

Israel has been completely blocking all humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza since March 2, after it refused to implement phase 2 of the ceasefire deal until Hamas releases all the remaining hostages.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has killed more than 52,862 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, including at least 57 people who died from starvation.

Leo also called for “a genuine, just, and enduring peace as swiftly as possible” in Ukraine and the release of prisoners of war and the return of children separated from their families.

“I hold the suffering of the cherished Ukrainian people in my heart,” he said.

The Pope’s calls for peace in Ukraine came just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin had called for "direct talks" with Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 15, to achieve "lasting, strong peace,” and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to meet him.

You Might Also Be Interested In

The New Pope, Leo XIV, Has Delivered His First Address After Being Chosen By The Conclave

Leo XIV’s name choice is suggesting that social justice — a top priority for Francis — will remain a priority for the Catholic Church under his leadership.

AlmostKassy Cho

As Christmas Is Canceled Again In Palestine, Pope Francis Condemned Israel’s Genocide In Gaza As “Cruelty”

After Israel accused the pope of double standards, he instead doubled down on his condemnation, calling it Israel’s genocide “so much cruelty.”

AlmostIsha Jain

Pope Francis Caused A Controversy After Saying Ukraine Should Raise “The White Flag” To Negotiate With Russia

“I think the strongest one is the one who looks at the situation, thinks about the people and has the courage of the white flag, of negotiating,” Pope Francis said.

AlmostAshley Lee