Pope Leo appeals ‘no more war’, welcomes India-Pakistan ceasefire

VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV appealed to the world’s major powers for an end to war in his first Sunday (May 11) message to crowds in St Peter’s Square since his election as pontiff. He also welcomed the India-Pakistan ceasefire.

The new pope, elected on Thursday (May 8), repeated the frequent call of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, on ending all wars, noting the recent 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, in which some 60 million people were killed.

He said, ”The immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago, on May 8, after causing 60 million victims. In today’s dramatic scenario of a ‘third world war’ being fought piecemeal, as Pope Francis has repeatedly stated, I too appeal to the great ones of the world, repeating the ever-relevant plea: Never again war!”

The pope also called for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza and release of all Israeli hostages.

Pope Leo said, ”I am deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip; let the fire cease immediately. Let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and may all hostages be freed.”

”I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people. Let every effort be made to achieve, as soon as possible, an authentic, just, and lasting peace. May all prisoners be freed, and may children return to their families,” he added.

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”.

He said, “I have instead welcomed with satisfaction the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through upcoming negotiations, a lasting agreement can soon be reached,” adding, “I entrust this heartfelt appeal to the Queen of Peace, so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace.”

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