Sun May 11 10:56:36 UTC 2025: ## New Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in Ukraine and Gaza, Welcomes India-Pakistan Ceasefire
**Vatican City, May 11, 2025** – In his first Sunday blessing, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, issued a powerful plea for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, along with the release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The Pope also expressed hope for a lasting agreement between India and Pakistan following their recent ceasefire announcement.
Addressing a packed St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo declared, “Never again war!” He echoed Pope Francis’s assessment of the current global conflicts as a “third world war in pieces,” marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. His message of peace, delivered from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
The 69-year-old Chicago native, whose papal inauguration is scheduled for May 18th, celebrated a private mass earlier in the day near the tomb of St. Peter. He also paid respects to the tomb of Pope Francis on Saturday. Pope Leo’s election on May 8th followed the passing of Pope Francis on April 21st. His election has been met with global interest and celebration.
First Piper 