Peace Now: Pope Leo XIV Issues Powerful Plea to End Wars in Ukraine and Gaza

In his inaugural significant public speech as the newly elected head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV gave an impassioned and desperate plea to put an end to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, holding the attention of tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square and millions more from around the globe.

Key Highlights

Pope Leo XIV, chosen on May 8, took advantage of his first Sunday blessing to invite the cessation of the hostilities of the Gaza Strip and of "a sincere, just, and durable peace" in Ukraine. 

Referring to some 100,000 people before him, the Pope repeated his predecessor Francis' call for "never again war" and noted that there's also the risk of a "piece-by-piece Third World War" as conflict ebbs worldwide.

On Ukraine, Leo XIV voiced concern for the misery experienced by its people and called for talks, corresponding with a recent proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin for direct peace negotiations with Ukraine.

Regarding Gaza, the Pope called for a ceasefire at once, underscored the disastrous humanitarian situation, and demanded the freeing of all Hamas hostages. He called for prompt humanitarian assistance to reach the depleted civilian population.

The Pope's message also referred to the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire, hoping that soon negotiations would bring a lasting peace deal.

Leo XIV's words on Ukraine represent a slight deviation from Francis, with a focus on a just and lasting peace rather than calling for Ukraine to embrace immediate cessation or surrender. This is closer to the stance of Kyiv and its European partners.

The Pope's speech is delivered at a time of continued violence: more than 52,000 Palestinians have died and 120,000 been wounded in Gaza, and Ukraine continues to suffer the impact of Russia's invasion, including the forced transfer of thousands of Ukrainian children.

The pontiff finished by placing his appeal in the hands of the Virgin Mary, praying for a "miracle of peace" and offering prayers for all mothers on Mother's Day.

Pope Leo XIV's message rang out as an appeal to conscience to world leaders, calling for peace and humanitarian assistance to take precedence over further conflict. His words mark a new Vatican resolve to engage actively in the world's most critical crises, with a firm moral commitment against war and a passionate appeal for discourse and reconciliation.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Times of Israel, Le Monde, Politico, BBC, Reuters