Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Peace in His First Prayer
Pope Leo XIV, the new head of the Catholic Church and the first pontiff from the USA, delivered a powerful message of peace during his inaugural Sunday prayer at St. Peter's Square. From the grand balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the former Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost proclaimed, "Never again war!" This passionate call resonated with the gathered crowd, which was estimated by police to exceed 100,000 people. Enthusiastic chants of his name, "Leone! Leone!" echoed throughout the square as he addressed a congregation filled with hope.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the devastating consequences of war, particularly recalling the tragic loss of 60 million lives at the conclusion of World War II nearly 80 years ago. The overarching message was one of urgent appeal to world leaders: the necessity for peace to prevail globally.
The Pope emphasized his commitment to social justice, a foundation he built as a bishop in Peru, where he was known for his dedication to combating poverty, environmental degradation, and injustice. He did not shy away from contemporary conflicts, specifically mentioning the wars in Ukraine and Gaza during his address. The Pope passionately advocated for an immediate and just peace in Ukraine, calling for the release of prisoners and the return of children to their families.
His remarks on Gaza were equally poignant. "What is happening in Gaza pains me deeply," he stated, urging for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of free humanitarian corridors for aid to the suffering civilian population, along with the release of all hostages.
The Pope welcomed the recently announced ceasefire between India and Pakistan and expressed his hopes that this peace would endure.
Concluding his appeal, Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt request for the miracle of peace, reiterating the dire need for reconciliation in a world rife with conflict. The 69-year-old former missionary and head of the Augustinian Order was elected as the 267th pope in the history of the Church, succeeding Pope Francis.
In a symbolic gesture, Leo XIV visited the tomb of his predecessor shortly after his election, laying a white rose and praying at the Marian church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where Pope Francis rests. With a grand ceremonial mass set for his official inauguration next Sunday at St. Peter's Square, dignitaries from around the world, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, are expected to attend this significant event in the Catholic Church's history.
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