Victor EzejaNewly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has called for an end to the war in Ukraine and Gaza and also the conflict at the border between India and Pakistan.
The Pontiff made the appeal during his first Regina Coeli address at St Peter’s Square on Sunday, 11 May.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe urged world powers to sheathe their swords and embrace peace for the good of all humanity.
Quoting his predecessor-Pope Francis- in denouncing the number of conflicts ravaging the world today, Pope Leo said it is a “third world war in pieces.”
“I, too, appeal to the powerful of the world by repeating these ever-relevant words: never again war,” he stated.
Reflecting on the impact of war, the 69-year-old Pontiff from the United States, recalled that the Second World War led to loss of about 60 million lives before coming to an end in 1945.
Speaking on the conflict in Ukraine, he said: “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people.” Pope Leo called for a lasting peace in the area and that all prisoners be freed, and displaced children be returned to their families.
The new pope, who was elected on 8 May, expressed pain over the carnage and destruction in Gaza Strip and urged that the fighting should stop. He also appealed for prisoners’ release and humanitarian aid delivery to the area. “Let the fighting cease immediately, let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and may all hostages be released,” he appealed.
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On the conflict at India-Pakistan border, Pope Leo welcomed the recent announcement of a ceasefire adding that he hopes that through the upcoming negotiations, a lasting agreement may be reached.
Meanwhile, the Vatican has announced that the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV will take place on 18 May 2025, with a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
