Pope Leo XIV calls for Gaza ceasefire and peace in Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and peace in Ukraine during his first Sunday noon blessing as the bishop of Rome.The big picture: Leo's calls echo those of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, who was an outspoken advocate for the besieged Palestinian population and denounced Russia's war in Ukraine. Driving the news: "I too appeal to the powerful of the world by repeating these ever-relevant words: never again war!'" Leo said from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, according to Vatican News.Leo said he carries "in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people," calling for "genuine, just and lasting peace as soon as possible," for prisoners to be freed and for children to be returned to their families.He said there should be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and called for humanitarian aid to be provided to the "exhausted civilian population" and for all hostages to be freed.Leo welcomed the news of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, expressing hope for "a lasting agreement."Zoom out: Leo, previously known as Robert Prevost, was seen as close to his predecessor — personally and in outlook, Axios' Dave Lawler reports. But he is also considered somewhat more moderate in temperament and on some ideological questions.He assumes the highly influential role at a time of persistent global conflicts — and one of deep division in his native U.S.Zoom in: Sunday's blessing marks the first time Leo addressed a crowd from the loggia since he was elected pope on Thursday.Leo continued the tradition of the pontiff offering a Sunday blessing at noon, per the AP. But while his predecessors spoke from the Apostolic Palace window, Leo chose to appear above the square.He opted to sing the Regina Caeli, or "Queen of Heaven," prayer, rather than just reciting it.Go deeper: Meet Pope Leo XIV, the first American to serve as Bishop of Rome

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