In a poignant and impassioned first address as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV appealed to world leaders for an immediate end to conflict, urging “no more war” during a gathering of thousands in St Peter’s Square on Sunday. With a profound commitment to peace, the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church emphasized the need for humanitarian action amid escalating global tensions, particularly regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza, and recent hostilities between India and Pakistan.
Chosen just days prior during a two-day conclave following the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, the Pope’s message resonates deeply in a world where conflict appears to fragment the very fabric of society. Addressing the crowd from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, he reflected on the 80 years since the end of World War II, warning that humanity now risks a “third world war in pieces.”
“I would like to address the powerful people of the world, repeating the always-current call: ‘no more war’,” he declared, as he expressed his emotional solidarity with suffering nations. “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people.” His comments coincide with ongoing discussions on peace initiatives between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the relentless backdrop of conflict.
Pope Leo’s heartfelt entreaty for a “lasting peace” in Ukraine is accompanied by a plea for all prisoners to be freed and for children to reunite with their families. In addition, he voiced his acute distress over the situation in Gaza, urging for a ceasefire and immediate humanitarian aid access to the civilian population, which has been severely impacted by military actions. “May all hostages be freed,” he added, underscoring the urgent need for compassion and actionable relief.
In a more hopeful note, the Pope acknowledged the tentative ceasefire reached on Saturday between India and Pakistan, stemming from a recent wave of military strikes following an attack on tourists in Kashmir. “I hope that through the coming negotiations we might soon come to a lasting accord,” he remarked, emphasising the importance of dialogue in resolving longstanding disputes.
Pope Leo XIV, who took the name of a 19th-century Pope renowned for his teachings on social justice, has set a tone of humility and determination since assuming the papacy. During his first Mass at the Sistine Chapel and subsequent meetings with cardinals, he has repeatedly referred to himself as an “unworthy choice” for Pope, promising to uphold the legacy of his predecessor, who championed the cause of the marginalised and voiceless.
He also spoke on the role of the church in the modern world, hinting at the challenges posed by advancements such as artificial intelligence and asserting that the Church must defend human dignity and justice. As he prepares for his formal inauguration on 18 May, the world watches keenly, hopeful for a renewed focus on peace and an unwavering commitment to the oppressed under his leadership.