Pope Leo XIV has used his first Sunday blessing to call for peace in Gaza, Ukraine and between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV has used his first Sunday blessing at the Vatican to address conflicts around the world, calling for an end to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.What It Matters
Leo’s inaugural Sunday blessing marks a significant return of public papal engagement after months of health-related absences by his predecessor, Francis.
The pope’s decision to spotlight the wars in Gaza and Ukraine in his first major address underscores the Vatican’s intent to maintain moral and diplomatic relevance in ongoing global conflicts.What To Know
Leo addressed an estimated 100,000 people, according to The Associated Press, from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, in his first appearance since he was seen on Thursday evening, after his election as pope.
On Gaza, the pontiff said: « Let the fighting cease immediately, let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and may all hostages be released.
