From St. Peter's, Pope Leo XIV launches a global call for peace

In his first Sunday blessing as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV made an urgent appeal to the international community to achieve lasting peace in the main centers of global conflict, with special emphasis on the situation in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.

From the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica , before more than 100,000 faithful gathered in Vatican Square, the new pope called for " authentic and lasting peace" for Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He also called for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

“ The world is living a third world war in pieces ,” warned Leo XIV, taking up an expression used by his predecessor to describe the current panorama of conflicts scattered across the globe.

“In the current dramatic scenario of a Third World War in jeopardy, as Pope Francis has repeatedly stated, I too address the great people of the world, repeating the ever-present call: Never again war!”

The prelate lamented the suffering of the “ beloved Ukrainian people ” and called for the release of prisoners of war, as well as the return of deported Ukrainian children.

In contrast to this diagnosis, the pontiff hailed the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan as a sign of hope, calling it " a positive step toward regional stability ." He also expressed his hope that bilateral negotiations will move toward a definitive solution.

In a symbolic gesture marking the beginning of his pontificate, Leo XIV broke with recent tradition by addressing the faithful from the heart of St. Peter's Basilica, rather than from the study of the Apostolic Palace.

He also introduced a liturgical change by intoning the Regina Caeli instead of reciting it , as was customary, a gesture interpreted by some sectors as a possible inclination towards a more traditional line .