Pope Leo Echoes Francis, Calls For Peace In Ukraine And Gaza

Pope Leo XIV used his first Sunday address to call for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, building on the message of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and offering a glimpse into the likely geopolitics of his papacy.

The first US-born head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics said he “carried in his heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people,” and called on leaders to “do what's possible to achieve an authentic, just and lasting peace as soon as possible.”

“May all prisoners be freed and may children return to their families,” he told thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. 

The leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Poland were in Kyiv on Saturday for meetings aimed at pressuring Russia into a month-long truce in Ukraine that could be a jumping-off point for peace talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin says he's open to discussions.  

Chicago-born Leo was elected as pope on May 8 after a two-day conclave following Francis' death on April 21 at age 88.  

The new pope also addressed the war in Gaza, an issue Francis had also been vocal about. “I am profoundly saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip,” Leo said. “May there be an immediate ceasefire.”

The pope said humanitarian aid should be given to the “exhausted” civilian population of Gaza, and that Israeli hostages held by Hamas should be freed. Since Hamas launched its assault in October 2023, Israel has waged a military campaign that's killed at least 50,000 in the Gaza territory, according to Palestinian authorities, who don't distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties. 

Leo said he was “satisfied” there had been a quick ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, where historic tensions flared again this month. He said he would pray for “the miracle of peace” for all other forgotten world conflicts.

Born Robert Francis Prevost, the 69-year old also holds citizenship from Peru, where he lived for many years. He's been seen as a potential bridge between factions of a church divided on such issues as divorce and LGBT rights. Leo is also likely to build on the legacy of Francis, a campaigner for the rights of migrants and the poor, who elevated him to a senior role at the Vatican in 2023.