Ukraine, Gaza: Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Peace in First Sunday Blessing, Calls for Ceasefire and Unity

Pope Leo XIV made a powerful plea for peace during his first Sunday blessing at the Vatican, addressing global conflicts and urging world powers to end violence.

In front of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square, the newly elected pontiff called for a “lasting peace” in the Ukraine war and a ceasefire in Gaza as the Israeli forces continue their brutal and violent attacks on the war-torn enclave.

Similarly, he welcomed the diplomatic breakthrough between India and Pakistan reached on Saturday.

During his address, the Pope recited the Regina Caeli prayer in honour of the Virgin Mary and emphasized the need for dialogue and compassion across divided regions. His appeal for peace comes ahead of his formal inauguration, scheduled for May 18 in St Peter’s Square, where he will deliver a homily before global leaders and dignitaries.

Chosen on Thursday after a two-day conclave, the 69-year-old American-born Pope, formerly Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, is the 267th leader of the Catholic Church and the first American to ascend to the papacy. He also holds Peruvian nationality after years of missionary service in Peru.

On Saturday, Pope Leo visited a shrine outside Rome and prayed at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, inside the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Addressing cardinals later that day, he described himself as “an unworthy choice” and vowed to honour the “precious legacy” of Pope Francis.

Explaining his choice of name, Pope Leo said he was inspired by a 19th-century pope known for social justice, a theme he emphasized by urging the Church to defend human dignity amid rising technological advances like artificial intelligence.

Leo XIV, seen as a moderate voice of continuity and unity, will meet with the media on Monday and lead the Church’s 1.4 billion members worldwide through a new chapter grounded in peace, justice, and compassion.