"Never again war": Leo XIV calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine

RomePope Leo XIV has launched an appeal against war in his first prayer of the Regina Caeli This Sunday at noon in front of thousands of faithful gathered in the Vatican's Piazza Sant'Pere. Quoting Pope Francis, the American pontiff denounced the "current dramatic scenario of a Third World War in pieces" and firmly appealed to world leaders: "Never again war!"

Received with great applause by an enthusiastic crowd, Leo XIV delivered his first blessing since his election. In an improvised message, which he had written beforehand but which was not part of the official speech distributed shortly before by the Vatican, the new pope recalled that 80 years ago the Second World War ended "after having caused 60 million victims."

A "tragedy" that remains more relevant than ever and that has led Leo XIV to raise his voice against "the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people." The Pope has called for everything possible to be done to achieve "an authentic, just, and lasting peace" and for "Ukrainian children to be able to return to their families." This initiative has involved the Holy See, which has been directly involved in setting in motion the entire diplomatic machinery since the conflict broke out in 2022. It should be remembered that Russian President Vladimir Putin is under an international arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court precisely because it considers him a terrorist.responsible for the illegal deportation of children and their illegal transfer from the territory of Ukraine to the territory of the Russian Federation.

Leo XIV also spoke of the "deep sorrow" caused by the Israeli offensive in Gaza. He called on both sides in the conflict to demand "a ceasefire, humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and the release of all hostages."

Leo XIV also expressed his "satisfaction" with the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and hoped that the negotiations would lead to an agreement. "But how many other conflicts are there in the world..." he said almost in a whisper, before invoking the Virgin Mary to open "the miracle of peace."

Around 150,000 people have gathered in Sant Pere Square since early morning to attend the first prayer of the new Pope of the Regina Caeli, which replaces the Angelus during the period after Easter. Leo XIV appeared on the balcony of the Vatican Basilica at 12 o'clock and addressed the first part of his message to young people, reminding them that this Sunday marks the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The Church needs vocations, he said, "especially the priesthood and religious life." And quoting Saint John Paul II, he said: "Do not be afraid!"

Before celebrating the Marian prayer early this morning, Leo XIV headed to the Vatican Grottoes to celebrate Mass in front of the tomb of Saint Peter. On Saturday, after visiting a shrine dedicated to Saint Augustine, the religious order to which he belongs, in a small town outside Rome, the Pope prayed in Saint Mary Major before the tomb of Francis, who died on April 21, but whose message for peace resonated again this Sunday in Saint Peter's.