A Call for Peace from Pope Leo XIV Urging a Ceasefire in Gaza for the Sake of Humanity

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza in First Sunday Blessing

In his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States — issued a heartfelt and urgent call for peace, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica to a crowd of an estimated 100,000 people, the newly elected pope urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, calling on the international community to work towards a just and lasting resolution.

During his address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of ending violence and protecting the innocent, underscoring his message with the phrase "never again war," a long-standing appeal in papal tradition. He called on the world’s great powers to come together in the pursuit of peace, urging diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The pope’s first Sunday blessing marked a significant moment in his papacy, reinforcing his commitment to unity and peace in a polarized world. His election as the first American pope adds a new layer of historical significance to his papacy, as he steps into his role with a message of hope for global reconciliation.

Source: AP News