Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Ukraine, Gaza ceasefire in Sunday appeal

In his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza with the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid.

“Never again war!” Leo said from the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica.

Recalling the end of World War II 80 years ago, Leo quoted Pope Francis in denouncing the number of conflicts ravaging the globe today, saying it was a “third world war in pieces”.

He also noted that Sunday was Mother’s Day in many countries and wished all mothers, “including those in heaven” a Happy Mother’s Day.

The crowd, filled with marching bands in town for a special jubilee weekend, erupted in cheers and music as the bells of St Peter’s Basilica tolled.

It was the first time Leo returned to the loggia since he first appeared to the world from there on Thursday night, following his remarkable election as pope.

Earlier on Sunday, Leo celebrated a private Mass near the tomb of St Peter with head of his Augustinian order, the Rev Alejandro Moral Anton. The Mass occurred in the grottoes underneath St Peter’s, the traditional burial place of St Peter, the apostle who is considered the be the first pope.

The 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary was elected the 267th pope on Thursday.