Pope Leo XIV Tells World Leaders: “No More War” in First Sunday Address — Calls for Peace in Ukraine, Gaza, and Beyond
(Credit to BBC):
Pope Leo XIV, the new head of the Catholic Church, gave his first Sunday message from the Vatican and strongly asked world leaders to stop all wars. According to BBC, he said clearly, “No more war,” and asked for peace in places like Ukraine, Gaza, and between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo, who became the new pope after Pope Francis died last week, said he was “deeply hurt” by what’s happening in Gaza. He also said he carries the pain of the Ukrainian people in his heart. He begged for a real and lasting peace in Ukraine, the release of prisoners, and for children to return to their families.
As BBC reported, Pope Leo welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, after recent fighting near Kashmir, and said he hopes it leads to a strong peace agreement.
Standing on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo said that even though World War II ended 80 years ago, the world now faces what he called a “third world war in pieces.” This comment from BBC shows how serious he thinks today’s violence is becoming.
The BBC also noted that Pope Leo didn’t just speak — he prayed with thousands of people, reciting a special prayer to Mary, the mother of Jesus. He also visited Pope Francis’ tomb, showing respect to the man who came before him.
Pope Leo is the first American Pope, born as Robert Prevost in Chicago, but he also has Peruvian nationality. He worked in Peru for many years helping people before becoming a high-ranking Church leader. BBC says he chose the name Leo after an earlier pope known for helping the poor and standing up for social justice.
Even before he became Pope, he spoke out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it an imperialist war. Now, he continues that message — but in a more calm and hopeful way — asking world leaders to choose peace.
According to the BBC, Pope Leo plans to focus on unity, help the poor, defend migrants, and use the Church to protect human dignity in this fast-changing world of AI and technology.
This first speech by Pope Leo XIV is not just a religious message — it’s a wake-up call to world leaders. With wars raging in Ukraine and Gaza and rising tensions around the globe, his words come at a time when many people feel the world is on the edge of something much worse.
By asking for peace in such simple, strong words — “No more war” — he speaks not just as a Pope but as a global voice of hope.
BBC’s detailed coverage of the Pope’s message, his background, and his early actions makes it clear: this Pope wants to carry on the work of Pope Francis, but also push the world toward real peace and compassion.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0r18dp9lxxo