Pope Leo XIV Calls for Ceasefires in Ukraine, Gaza in First Sunday Address

In his first Sunday address as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful call for global peace, urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and negotiations for a lasting resolution to the war in Ukraine, as per Al Jazeera.

Speaking from the loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica before an estimated crowd of 100,000 people, the newly elected pope condemned the continuation of war and appealed to world leaders to reject further conflict.

“No more war,” Pope Leo said, echoing the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis. “I too address the world’s great powers by repeating the ever-present call: ‘Never again war.’”

The pontiff warned of a “dramatic scenario of a third world war being fought piecemeal.”

Pope Leo, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, was elected on May 8 following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. His remarks Sunday marked his first public blessing and speech from the loggia since ascending to the papacy.

The pope expressed deep concern for “the suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine” and urged all sides to engage in dialogue toward an “authentic, just, and lasting peace.” His comments followed a renewed proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin for direct negotiations with Ukraine, amid continued diplomatic gridlock involving U.S. mediation efforts under President Donald Trump.

Turning to the war in Gaza, Leo said he was “profoundly saddened” by the ongoing violence and called for an immediate ceasefire. He demanded that humanitarian aid be allowed into the besieged Palestinian territory and urged the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The conflict has claimed more than 52,000 Palestinian lives and left over 120,000 wounded, many of them women and children, according to humanitarian sources.

Leo also welcomed the ceasefire reached on Saturday between India and Pakistan, expressing hope that the agreement would lead to lasting peace between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

“There are so many other conflicts in the world,” the pope added, underscoring the need for global solidarity and diplomacy during his inaugural Regina Caeli prayer service.

Italian authorities confirmed that over 100,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness the historic occasion, as bands from Italy, Mexico, and across Latin America performed in celebration of the ongoing Catholic Holy Year.

On Saturday, Leo visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis, honoring the memory and legacy of the late pontiff.