Sun May 11 10:56:36 UTC 2025: ## New American Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in Ukraine and Gaza
**Vatican City, May 11, 2025** – In his first Sunday blessing, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, delivered a powerful message calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Addressing a massive crowd in St. Peter’s Square, he declared, “Never again war!” He echoed Pope Francis’s assessment of the current global conflicts as a “third world war in pieces.”
The 69-year-old Chicago native, whose official inauguration Mass is scheduled for May 18th, also took time to acknowledge Mother’s Day, offering well wishes to mothers worldwide. His appearance marked his second address from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica since his election on May 8th. Prior to his public address, Pope Leo held a private Mass near the tomb of St. Peter.
The election of Pope Leo XIV has generated significant global interest, with St. Peter’s Square filled with pilgrims and well-wishers from around the world. His calls for peace come amidst ongoing conflicts in both Ukraine and Gaza, highlighting the pressing global need for resolution.
First Piper 