11.05.2025 17:31
Pope Leo XIII, following the election held on Thursday, called for "lasting peace" in Ukraine and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during his first Sunday prayer today. The Pope stated, "In the dramatic context of our times, where the Third World War is being experienced in fragments, I echo the words that are always valid, addressing the powerful of the world: Never again war."
On May 8th, during the papal election (Conclave) in the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV, the new pope of the Catholics, made his first Sunday prayer from the great loggia of St. Peter's Basilica. After the prayer, the Pope delivered a speech in which he conveyed messages regarding international developments.
Speaking fluently in Italian, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the peace call of his predecessor, Pope Francis, stating, "In today's dramatic environment where the third world war is being experienced piece by piece, I call upon the world's powerful by repeating these words that are always valid: Never again war."
"I CARRY THE SUFFERINGS OF UKRAINE IN MY HEART"
Addressing the wars happening in the world today, Pope Leo XIV expressed, "I carry the sufferings of the dear Ukrainian people in my heart," and called for "every effort to be made to achieve a real, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible."
THE HUMAN DRAMA IN GAZA: I FEEL DEEP PAIN
Later, speaking about the ongoing humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip, the Pope said, "I feel deep pain in the face of what is happening. The conflicts must stop immediately, humanitarian aid must be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and all prisoners must be released."
Pope Leo XIV also welcomed the fragile ceasefire negotiated overnight between India and Pakistan, stating that he prays for peace in the world, saying, "There are still so many other conflicts in the world."
POPE LEO XIV WAS ELECTED ON THE SECOND DAY
On the second day of the papal election held in the Vatican on Thursday, the new pope was determined in the third vote. After the white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, bells rang in St. Peter's Square, announcing to the world that the new leader of the Catholic Church, with 1.4 billion members, had been elected. A cardinal who appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica officially announced the election of the new pope with the Latin phrase "Habemus papam" (We have a pope), and it was announced that the new pope was 69-year-old American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Prevost, the first American pope in history, chose the name Pope Leo XIV. He also became recorded as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.