Pope Leo XIV Calls for End to War in First Public Prayer
Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of Catholics worldwide, called for an end to war during his first public prayer.
Pope Leo XIV, the leader of Catholics worldwide, called for an end to wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the establishment of peace during his first public prayer ceremony and Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 11.
Last Sunday, May 11, was the first public prayer ceremony of the new pope at St. Peter’s Basilica. He appeared on the central balcony of the St. Peter’s Basilica cathedral during the Divine Liturgy ceremony and began his prayer in front of a gathering of approximately 150,000 people.
He began his remarks by saying: “Dear sisters and brothers, have a blessed Sunday. That this first Sunday of my ministry coincides with the Sunday of the Good Shepherd, the fourth Sunday after Easter, is a gift from God to me.”
Emphasizing the words of Pope Francis regarding the invitation to young people to participate and accept the invitation of Jesus Christ, he said: “I say to young people, do not be afraid, accept the invitation of Christ, our Lord.”
Pope Leo also referred to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza in his remarks, which lasted a total of 15 minutes, and while expressing the hope that “there should never be war again,” he added: “The tremendous tragedy of World War II claimed 60 million lives. As Pope Francis said, I also say to the powerful of the world: war must never happen again. I hold in my heart the suffering of the dear people of Ukraine. Everything must be done to reach a true, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible. Prisoners must be freed and children must return to their families.”
While referring to the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, he also called for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid to civilians, and the release of all hostages in Gaza. At the end of his prayer, the leader of Catholics worldwide greeted all mothers on the occasion of Mother’s Day and wished them a joyful celebration, adding: “I entrust this heartfelt plea to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Lady of Peace, so that she may present it to God’s throne and bring the miracle of peace to us.”
