In his first Sunday address at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, appealed for “no more war” and “lasting peace” – for conflicts around the world.
In a move of personal pathos, he called himself “deeply hurt” by events in Gaza, expressed hope for a “lasting accord” between India and Pakistan, and wished for a “authentic, true and lasting peace” in Ukraine (in what he has previously called an imperialist war which produced crimes against humanity).
“I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people […] And I am deeply hurt by what is happening in the Gaza Strip. May a ceasefire immediately come into effect. May humanitarian aid be allowed into the civilian population and may all hostages be freed”, he said, directly criticizing Israel, which has cut off humanitarian aid from Gaza.
He led the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, for the crowd of believers.
His inauguration will take place on May 18, in St. Peter’s square.
He has chosen the name Leo as a nod to a papal tradition of social justice.
