In his first public address as Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday praised the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, expressing deep hope that the move would mark the beginning of a broader global shift toward peace and reconciliation.
Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square, the 87-year-old pope made a passionate plea for an end to conflicts around the world, calling on humanity to reject violence and embrace the path of “authentic and lasting peace.”
“I pray to God that the world may receive the miracle of peace,” Pope Leo XIV declared, as tens of thousands of faithful gathered below for the Regina Caeli prayer.
“No more war,” he added solemnly, “not in South Asia, not in Ukraine, not in the Holy Land. Let the peoples of the world walk together, not in enmity, but in brotherhood.”
The pope, elected to the papacy on May 8, just days ago, wasted no time in placing global conflict resolution and interfaith unity at the center of his spiritual and diplomatic message.
On the India-Pakistan ceasefire, Pope Leo XIV praised both sides for their restraint and urged leaders in New Delhi and Islamabad to continue along the “difficult but holy path of dialogue.” The ceasefire, which was brokered following escalating tensions and retaliatory strikes after the Pahalgam terror attack, has been cautiously welcomed by the international community.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” the Pope said, quoting scripture. “May this be the dawn of a new chapter in South Asia, where neighbors learn to coexist in justice, not fear.”
Turning to other global flashpoints, the Pope renewed his call for a ceasefire in Gaza, amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He also demanded the release of all Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, saying their captivity was “a deep wound on the conscience of humanity.”
On Ukraine, Pope Leo XIV urged for “authentic and lasting peace,” noting that “too many lives have been shattered, too many futures destroyed” since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. His remarks reflect a continuation of the Vatican’s deep concern over the war, but under a new leadership with renewed spiritual urgency.
Observers noted the tone of Pope Leo XIV’s message — one of humility, urgency, and global solidarity. The son of Italian and Filipino parents, the newly elected pope is the first in history with mixed heritage and is widely seen as a bridge-builder between the Global North and South.
In his concluding prayer, the pope invoked the Virgin Mary and appealed for peace in every heart, family, and nation.
“Let us not forget the tears of children, the sorrow of mothers, and the silence of those whose voices were taken by war,” he said.
As bells rang across St. Peter’s Square, applause broke out among the faithful — many of them waving flags from around the world, including those of India, Pakistan, Ukraine, and Palestine.
