Pope Leo XIV Advocates for Peace in Ukraine and Gaza, and Extends Mothers Day Wishes in His Inaugural Sunday Blessing

Published: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 7:04 pm

Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural Sunday blessing, delivered a powerful message of peace, unity, and hope to a crowd of approximately 100,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square. The new pontiff, the first American pope, directly addressed the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, calling for a "genuine and equitable peace" in Ukraine and an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza. He also expressed concern for the suffering of the Ukrainian people, advocating for the release of prisoners of war and the return of children to their families.

The event was marked by symbolic gestures aimed at bridging divides within the Catholic Church. Leo chose to deliver his blessing from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, a departure from his predecessor's practice, and sang the Regina Caeli prayer, a traditional Easter season prayer. These actions, along with his choice of attire, including a simple white cassock and silver pectoral cross, have been interpreted by some as a return to a more traditional style, potentially appealing to conservative Catholics.

The Pope's message extended beyond geopolitical concerns. He acknowledged Mothers Day, offering wishes to mothers worldwide, and celebrated a private Mass, praying at the tombs of past popes representing a spectrum of theological viewpoints. He also addressed the issue of declining religious vocations, encouraging priests to set a good example and inspire young people to serve the Church. The Pope also attended the unsealing of the papal apartments.

The event drew a diverse crowd, including pilgrims from the United States and Peru, reflecting the global reach of the Catholic Church. The presence of prominent conservative figures, such as Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini, further highlighted the political and religious currents at play.

BNN's Perspective: Pope Leo XIV's early actions suggest a desire to unify the Church while addressing pressing global issues. His calls for peace and his embrace of tradition offer a balanced approach, potentially appealing to both conservative and progressive factions within the Catholic community. His focus on vocations also signals a commitment to the Church's future.

Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, Ukraine, Gaza, peace, ceasefire, St. Peter's Basilica, Sunday blessing, Mothers Day, Catholic Church, traditional, conservative, Regina Caeli, papal apartments, religious vocations, American pope, Vatican, Matteo Salvini, Marine Le Pen, global conflicts, humanitarian relief.

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