Pope Leo calls for peace

In his first speech at St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV drew attention to ongoing conflicts worldwide and issued a call for peace. Elected as Pope on May 8, Leo XIV demanded that lasting peace be established in Ukraine and that a ceasefire be declared in Gaza.

The Pope emphasized that Israeli hostages must be released, while expressing his satisfaction with the recent ceasefire reached between India and Pakistan. Stating that he prays to God for a 'miracle of peace' for the world, the Pope said that the world is currently experiencing a "Third World War fought piecemeal."

Drawing attention to the situation in Ukraine, Pope Leo XIV said, "I carry the suffering of the Ukrainian people in my heart," and invited the parties to the negotiating table. Furthermore, stating that he is deeply saddened by the conflicts in Gaza, he called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid. He reiterated that the hostages held by Hamas must be released.

Finding the peace initiatives between India and Pakistan promising, the Pope expressed his wish for these two nuclear-armed countries to reach a lasting agreement. He concluded his speech by saying, "There are many conflicts in the world, and I hope that these conflicts will end quickly."

News Source: 12punto