It was the Pope’s first Sunday blessing
Pope Leo XIV appealed to peace and the end of the conflicts of a “World War III in pieces”, namely in Ukraine and Gaza, in the first Sunday greeting to the pilgrims in St. Peter, Rome.
“War never again,” shouted Leo XIV, in the speech integrated in the prayer “Regina Caeli” (Queen of Heaven), before the pilgrims, who filled much of St. Peter’s Square and interrupted with applause the leader of the Catholic Church.
“The immense tragedy of World War II ended 80 years ago, on May 8, after causing 60 million victims,” he recalled.
“In the current dramatic scenario of a III World War in pieces, as Pope Francis said several times, I also address me to the great of the world, repeating the always current appeal: never again,” said the Pope, elected on Thursday.
About Ukraine and the “sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people,” the leader of the Catholic Church has asked to do “whatever possible to achieve as soon as possible, just, just and lasting peace” and “that all prisoners are released and that children can return to their families.”
“I deeply sadden what is happening in the Gaza Strip,” said the Pope, asking for an “immediate ceasefire” and “that humanitarian aid is provided to the exhausted civilian population and that all hostages are released.”
About the conflict between India and Pakistan, the Pope said he welcomed “with satisfaction the announcement of the ceasefire”, waiting for a lasting agreement after negotiations.
He lamented the “other conflicts that exist in the world” and made Our Lady an “distressed appeal” to get “the miracle of peace.”
In the intervention, Leo XIV called for more “priestly and religious vocations”, because “the church has a great need for them and it is important for young people and young people to find (…) welcome, listening and encouraging in their vocational path, and that they can count on models of generous dedication to God and brothers”.
Therefore, Leo XIV evoked the predecessor, Francisco, in the “invitation to welcome and accompany the young people”.
Leo XIV also evoked Mother’s Day, which is celebrated in several countries of the world today and has asked for a prayer for them.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, was elected Pope on Thursday after two days of Conclave, in the Vatican City, and took the name of Leo XIV.
Born in Chicago, the United States, the new Pope has Spanish ancestry and Peruvian nationality, and belongs to the Order of St. Augustine, having been bishop of Chiclayo (Peru) and was the mayor of the Dicker for the bishops.
Leo XIV succeeded Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88.
