'Never Again War' -- Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in Ukraine and Middle East in First Sunday Noon Blessing
3 minute readPublished: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 11:24 am
Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in Ukraine and Gaza in First Blessing
VATICAN CITY (AP) – In his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, issued a powerful call for peace in war-torn regions, echoing the sentiment of "never again war." Addressing a crowd of approximately 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square, the Pope specifically addressed the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Pope Leo XIV urged for a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children to their families. He also welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, the Pope demanded an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the exhausted civilian population. He quoted Pope Francis, describing the current global conflicts as a "third world war in pieces."
The blessing, delivered from the center of St. Peter's Square, marked a departure from the traditional location used by previous popes. Pope Leo XIV also incorporated a unique element by singing the Regina Caeli prayer, a Latin prayer typically recited during the Easter season. He wore the simple white cassock of the papacy and his silver pectoral cross.
The Pope's message resonated with the crowd, which included marching bands in town for a special Jubilee weekend. The event was filled with cheers and music as the bells of St. Peter's Basilica tolled. Earlier in the day, Pope Leo XIV celebrated a private Mass near the tomb of St. Peter and prayed before the tomb of Pope Francis on Saturday.
BNN's Perspective: Pope Leo XIV's strong stance on peace, particularly his direct calls for action in Ukraine and Gaza, demonstrates a commitment to addressing global conflicts. While the Pope's message is commendable, achieving lasting peace requires complex diplomatic efforts and the cooperation of all parties involved. His focus on humanitarian aid and the release of hostages is a crucial step towards alleviating suffering and fostering dialogue.
Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, Ukraine, Gaza, peace, ceasefire, humanitarian aid, St. Peter's Square, blessing, hostages, war, Vatican City, Pope Francis, Regina Caeli, never again war, first American Pope.