Pope Leo XIV has used his first Sunday blessing to address some of the world’s most troubling conflicts, calling for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza and Ukraine, while also welcoming a recent ceasefire deal between India and Pakistan.
Delivering his message before a massive crowd of about 100,000 worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the new pontiff made it clear the Vatican remains a moral voice in global affairs. As the first American to hold the office, Pope Leo’s leadership is already attracting attention and support from political and religious leaders worldwide, ahead of his official installation mass scheduled for next Sunday.
In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV condemned the ongoing bloodshed and human suffering in both Gaza and Ukraine. On Gaza, he declared: “Let the fighting cease immediately, let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and may all hostages be released.”
Addressing the war in Ukraine, he shared his sorrow, saying: “I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people. Let everything possible be done to achieve genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible.”
The pope also took a moment to welcome the recently announced truce between India and Pakistan, hailing it as a positive step in a region long plagued by tension.
Speaking to a wider audience beyond the countries at war, Pope Leo XIV issued a timeless appeal against global conflict: “In today’s dramatic context of a third world war fought piecemeal…I too appeal to the powerful of the world by repeating these ever-relevant words: never again war!”
Global Reactions To Pope Leo XIV’s Message
The pope’s remarks drew swift reactions from various corners of the world. Father Ihor Yatsiv, a spokesperson for the Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine, praised him as “a pope who paid attention to the socially vulnerable, a pope who stood on the side of the oppressed, a pope who stood for justice and, accordingly, spoke out against the powerful of this world.”
He further noted: “We identify Pope Leo XIV as a pope of hope for Ukraine,” during a conversation with the Kyiv Independent.
Political figures also weighed in. Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his excitement, writing on Truth Social: “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
U.S. Vice President JD Vance posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reflected on the significance of this moment, saying: “This is a moment of profound significance for the Catholic Church, offering renewed hope and continuity amid the 2025 Jubilee Year to over a billion faithful worldwide. The papacy carries a sacred and solemn responsibility.”
What Lies Ahead For Pope Leo XIV
The new pope’s formal installation mass is slated for next Sunday, a ceremony that will officially mark the beginning of his leadership as the Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. The event is expected to be a defining moment, setting the tone for Pope Leo XIV’s papacy and influence both within the Church and across the global stage.
