Pope Leo XIV's first public prayer calls for an end to war
Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the world's Catholics, called for an end to the war in his first public prayer.
Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the Catholic Church, called for an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and for peace in his first public prayer and Eucharistic celebration on Sunday, May 11.
Yesterday, Sunday, May 11, was the new Pope's first public prayer in St. Peter's Basilica. He appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the same time as the celebration of the Eucharist and began his prayer among an audience of more than 150,000 people.
He began his speech by saying, “Dear sisters and brothers, have a happy Sunday. It is a gift from God that my first Sunday of service, which coincides with Good Shepherd Sunday (the fourth Sunday after Easter), is my first Sunday of service.”
Emphasizing Pope Francis' words about inviting young people to accompany and accept the call of Jesus Christ, he said: "I say to young people, do not be afraid, accept the call of Christ, our Lord."
Pope Leo also referred to the war in Ukraine and Gaza in his speech, which lasted a total of 15 minutes, and while wishing that "there may never be another war," he added: "The great tragedy of World War II claimed 60 million victims. As Pope Francis said, I also say to the powerful of the world: there must never be another war. I feel the suffering of the dear people of Ukraine. Everything must be done to achieve a real, just and lasting peace as soon as possible. Prisoners must be released and children must be returned to their families."
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 world Catholic leader congratulated all mothers on the occasion of Mother's Day and wished them a joyful celebration, adding: "I entrust this heartfelt request to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Lady of Peace, so that she may present it to God and bring us the miracle of peace."
