Pope Leo XIV calls for Global peace in first Sunday address

In his inaugural Sunday address on May 11, 2025, Pope Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt appeal for peace, urging an end to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Addressing thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the newly elected pontiff called for an “authentic, just, and lasting peace” in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid and the release of hostages.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American to hold the papacy, succeeded Pope Francis following his death on April 21. In his address, he echoed his predecessor’s concerns about a “third world war being fought piecemeal,” highlighting the widespread suffering caused by global conflicts. He also expressed joy over the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, encouraging continued dialogue between the two nations.

The Pope’s call for peace comes amid renewed hostilities in Ukraine, where Russia launched a large-scale drone attack on Kyiv and other regions, despite President Vladimir Putin’s recent call for direct peace talks. The Ukrainian air force reported shooting down 60 of 108 drones, with additional drones lost without causing damage. The attack occurred just after the end of a temporary three-day ceasefire observed around Victory Day.

In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis has reached catastrophic levels, with over 15,000 children killed and nearly a million repeatedly displaced since the war began in October 2023. Pope Francis’s former popemobile is being transformed into a mobile health clinic for children in Gaza, symbolizing hope and providing practical medical support amid the devastation.

Pope Leo XIV’s message coincided with Mother’s Day, to which he offered blessings to all mothers. He also revived several papal traditions during his address, including offering the Regina Caeli prayer in song—a break from previous recitations—and wearing a simple white cassock and silver pectoral cross.

As the world grapples with multiple conflicts, Pope Leo XIV’s appeal serves as a poignant reminder of the need for peace, compassion, and solidarity with those suffering the consequences of war.