New Delhi: In his first Sunday noon address since being elected pontiff, Pope Leo XIV appealed to the world’s major powers for “no more war”, while welcoming the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and hoped negotiations can lead to lasting peace. Pope Leo added that he was praying to God to grant the world the “miracle of peace”. “Never again war!” Leo said from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Leo also reportedly called for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire, and the release of hostages in Gaza. The new pope was elected on May 8, succeeding Pope Francis who died on April 21.
Talking about the end of World War II 80 years ago, Leo echoed Pope Francis’s words in condemning the numerous conflicts the world was reeling under today, describing it was a “third world war in pieces”.
Leo also underlined that Sunday marked Mother’s Day in many countries and extended wishes to all mothers, including “those in heaven”, for a Happy Mother’s Day.
The atmosphere was filled with jubilation as the crowd erupted in cheers and music, joined by visiting marching bands for the special Jubilee weekend, while the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out.
Ceasefire breached
On Saturday, India and Pakistan reached an ‘understanding’ to immediately stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea. The ceasefire came about after over three days of intense exchange of fire between the two neighbours.
The ceasefire, initially announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, was violated by Pakistan just hours later, with drones intercepted over areas of Jammu, Srinagar, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The military confrontation between India and Pakistan erupted after Islamabad launched drones and missiles into Indian territory in response to Operation Sindoor, launched to destroy the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
