Sarah Rainesford
Correspondent
See: Crowds cheer as the Pope maintains address for the first Sunday
Pope Leo XIV called for “war now” in his first Sunday address at the Vatican.
Reflecting the current conflict, the newly elected Pope welcomed the Saturday agreement to end recent hostilities between India and Pakistan in sought “enduring peace” in the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza.
He said he was “deeply hurt” by the events in Gaza, expressed his hopes for a “lasting agreement” between India and Pakistan, and wanted “real, true, lasting peace” in Ukraine.
The Pope also prayed Regina Caeri’s prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Leo was chosen as the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday after his predecessor, Pope Francis and Conclave’s two-day deaths in Vatican City.
On Saturday, he visited a shrine outside Rome and then prayed at Francis’ tomb inside the cathedral of Santa Maria Magiaore.
Pope Leo will officially launch next week on May 18th at Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
Three years ago, as Bishop Robert Pribul, he condemned Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine as an imperialist war, and condemned crimes against humanity that he said were being committed there.
On Sunday, he restricted his predecessor, Francis, to reflect on his call for peace.
“I also want to deal with powerful people in the world. I will always repeat the current call: “There is no more war,” he told the crowd on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Cathedral.
“The immeasurable tragedy of World War II ended 80 years ago… Now we are facing the tragedy of World War II.”
Pope Leo called for “endless peace” in the war in Ukraine, saying he was “deeply hurt” by events in Gaza
A large crowd gathered to hear Pope Leo’s first Sunday speech
The Pope continued: “In my heart I carry the suffering of the people of Ukrainian dear.
“Can we do anything we can to reach authentic, true, lasting peace as fast as possible? May all prisoners be released. Children may return to their families.
“And I am deeply hurt by what is happening in the Gaza Strip.
“May the ceasefire be implemented soon. Must be granted to civilians and all hostages be released.”
He added:
His remarks came when Ukrainian President Voldymir Zelensky and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin came up with competing plans for a peace process to end Ukraine’s three-year invasion.
In the Middle East, Israel cut off all humanitarian assistance entering Gaza and resumed military attacks on Palestinian territory after a two-month ceasefire and the collapse of the hostage exchange agreement.
Meanwhile, India and Pakistan agreed to a temporary ceasefire on Saturday just days after the cross-border military strike following an attack on India-controlled Kashmir tourists on April 22.
It was a busy week for the Pope, who served as his first Mass as Pope at the Sistine Chapel on Friday, before speaking with the Cardinals on Saturday.
Reuters
Pope Leo prayed on Saturday in front of his predecessor’s simple white marble tomb
During this meeting, he described himself as an unworthy choice to the Pope, and vowed to continue the “valuable legacy” of his predecessor.
He emphasized the importance of missionary work and discussion – and cared for those he called “the least and rejected.”
He explained that he chose the name Leo after the 19th century Pope, known for his teachings on social justice.
The new Pope also suggested that the development of artificial intelligence and other advances means that today the Church is necessary for the defense of human dignity and justice.
He is scheduled to retain the media and audience on Monday ahead of his appointment next Sunday.
As part of that mass, he gives birth to a holy man before the heads of many states and high officials.
The age of 69 was the 267th resident of St. Peter’s throne, and the first American became Pope. He will lead 1.4 billion members of the Catholic Church’s global community.
Born in Chicago, Robert Francis Prevast worked as a missionary in Peru for many years before becoming an archbishop there. He also has Peruvian nationality.
Leo was born in the United States, but the Vatican described him as the second Pope from the Americas. Pope Francis, from Argentina, was the first.
Pope Leo is widely seen as a moderate who could provide “continuity” and “unity” after the death of his predecessor last month.
The new Pope is believed to share Francis’ views on immigration, the poor and the environment.
In his first speech, he told the crowd, “I want to walk with you as a Unification Church that is all about peace and justice together.”
