Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, and offers a Happy Mother's Day

Published: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 1:28 pm

Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected pontiff, used his first Sunday blessing to call for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, marking a significant moment for the Catholic Church. Addressing an estimated 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square, Leo XIV echoed the call for "never again war," emphasizing the need for a "genuine and just peace" in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This message of peace, delivered from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, was a departure from his predecessors, who often delivered blessings from a side window.

The new pope also made symbolic gestures that hinted at a more traditional approach, including singing the Regina Caeli prayer in Latin and wearing the simple white cassock and silver pectoral cross. This has been noted by some traditionalists who have expressed cautious optimism. The presence of conservative figures like Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini at the blessing further highlighted the diverse political landscape within the church. Leo XIV also acknowledged Mother's Day, sending well wishes to mothers worldwide.

Beyond the blessing, Leo XIV celebrated a private Mass and prayed at the tombs of past popes, including both progressive and conservative figures. He also addressed the issue of declining religious vocations, encouraging priests to set a good example. The unsealing of the papal apartments was another key event, though it remains unclear if Leo XIV will reside there. The pope, a 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary, is scheduled to have a busy week of audiences before his formal installation Mass next Sunday.

BNN's Perspective: Pope Leo XIV's early actions suggest a desire to bridge divides within the Catholic Church. His calls for peace and gestures toward tradition, while potentially appealing to a broader audience, will likely be met with both support and scrutiny. His ability to navigate these complex dynamics will be crucial in shaping his papacy.

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

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