Pope Leo XIV appeals for 'no more war' in first Sunday message to the masses
Pope Leo XIV leads a Regina Caeli prayer at the Vatican. (Reuters: Alkis Konstantinidis)
In short:
Pope Leo XIV has called for "no more war" in his first Sunday address at the Vatican.
Crowds gathered to watch as the new pope called for "lasting peace" in Ukraine and ceasefire in Gaza.
He also welcomed the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV has appealed to the world's major powers for "no more war" in his first Sunday message to crowds in St Peter's Square since his election as pontiff.
Tens of thousands of faithful followers gathered at the Vatican, anxious for a closer look at the first pope selected from the United States.
A person waves an American flag during the Regina Caeli prayer. (Reuters: Guglielmo Mangiapane)
They cheered, applauded and enthusiastically waved flags as he proclaimed: "Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!"
The new pope, elected on May 8, did not shy from current world events in his public address after delivering a prayer to the Virgin Mary.
"In today's dramatic scenario of a third world war in tatters … I also address the powerful of the world, repeating the ever-timely appeal: No more war!" Pope Leo urged from the balcony.
Pope Leo XIV delivers his first Sunday message. (Reuters: Alkis Konstantinidis)
As had his predecessor Pope Francis, Leo appealed for a "genuine, just and lasting peace" in Ukraine and said he was "deeply saddened" by events in the Gaza Strip, calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
"Humanitarian aid must be provided to the exhausted civilian population and all the hostages must be freed," he said.
Pope Leo also welcomed the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and said he was praying to God to grant the world the "miracle of peace".
Faithful gather to attend Pope Leo XIV's Sunday address. (Reuters: Alkis Konstantinidis)
Pope Leo said he was glad to hear of the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire and hoped negotiations would lead to a lasting accord between the nuclear armed neighbours.
"But there are so many other conflicts in the world,"he said.
A steady stream of pilgrims and worshippers began to gather in St Peter's Square on Sunday morning, bearing flags and Catholic symbols from across the globe.
Priests and nuns mingled with the crowds, with many groups of young people, some playing guitars and singing songs.
Hopes are high that Pope Leo can be a unifying figure within the fractured Church, and the complicated geopolitical situation.
The faithful pray in St Peter's Square ahead of Pope Leo XIV's first Sunday address. (AFP: Tiziana Fabi)
Resfina Macoy Torrevillas, a 68-year-old from California, said Pope Leo's Sunday appearance would be the "highlight" of her group's pilgrimage.
"We're hoping for a good year, because the Catholic Church is challenged right now, especially in the USA,"she said.
Pope Leo XIV walking in the Vatican before the Regina Caeli prayer. (AFP: Filippo Monteforte)
In his address, Pope Leo also said the Church had a "great need" for its priests and nuns.
"Today brothers and sisters, I therefore have the joy of praying with you and all the people of God for vocations, especially those to the priesthood and consecrated life" he said.
"The Church has such a great need for them."
He added that young people required "credible models of generous dedication to God".
Reuters/AFP