Pope Leo XIV Calls for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire, Peace in Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV's Urgent Plea for Peace: A Call for Ceasefire in Gaza and Continued Support for Ukraine. Vatican City, May 12, 2025 - In his first Sunday address as the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful call for peace, urging an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza and expressing continued support for Ukraine. The address, delivered before a massive crowd in St. Peter's Square, was met with fervent applause and underscored the global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "I am deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip," the Pope stated, his words translated from Italian. "Let the fire cease immediately." He also called for the provision of humanitarian aid to the exhausted civilian population and the release of all hostages. The Pope's address serves as a potent symbol of hope and a reminder of the urgent need for peace and reconciliation in these troubled regions. His words resonate with the global community, emphasizing the shared responsibility to alleviate suffering and promote peaceful resolution to conflicts.