No more war: Pope Leo XIV calls for ceasefire in Gaza and peace in Ukraine

In his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV made a powerful appeal for global peace, urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a just resolution in Ukraine. “No more war,” he declared from Saint Peter’s Basilica, warning of a “third world war being fought in fragments.”

Addressing over 100,000 faithful, Pope Leo echoed the late Pope Francis, invoking his predecessor’s urgent pleas for peace. He described the suffering in Ukraine as deeply personal and called on world leaders to pursue negotiations for lasting stability.

The call came shortly after Russian President Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Pope Leo expressed heartbreak over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, demanding hostage releases and uninterrupted aid for civilians. “The population is exhausted,” he said, stressing that war must never become the norm.

Leo also welcomed news of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, expressing hope that diplomacy would prevent further escalation.

This appearance marked his first address from the loggia since becoming the first American pope on May 8, following the passing of Pope Francis. He had also visited Francis’ tomb at St Mary Major Basilica on Saturday to pray.

While he acknowledged ongoing conflicts across the globe, Pope Leo’s message was clear: the world needs compassion, diplomacy, and immediate relief for the suffering.

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