Pope Leo demands peace in Ukraine and Gaza: Never again war

Pope Leo demands peace in Ukraine and Gaza: Never again war

rom- Pope Leo XIV thundering applause and an electrifying atmosphere. He held his first Sunday blessing and a speech in which he asked for peace for Ukraine and Gaza.

The historical moment

When he was on the velvet -related balcony, the fragrant smell of white smoke was still in the air. The last week had caused many surprises, since the choice of a USBELER PAPSTES initially seemed almost impossible. But the people on St. Peter's Square knew exactly what they could expect: a Pope born in Chicago, shaped in Peru and is experienced in the leadership of the Vatican.

The message of peace

"Let us accept the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his message for today: the invitation to welcome young people and accompany them," said Leo on Sunday in the balcony in fluent Italian. "And let us ask our heavenly father to help us live together."

In an urgent message to the world leaders, he asked: "In the dramatic situation of a Third World War, as Pope Francis said, I always address my current appeal to the world leaders: never war again!". He spoke out for peace in Ukraine and an armistice in Gaza and called for the release of hostages and humanitarian aid for the "exhausted population" in Gaza.

a new approach of the pope tour

Pope Leo welcomed the announcement of an armistice between India and Pakistan and expressed hope that a permanent contract could be achieved through negotiations. In his first speech, he also led the prayer "Regina Caeli" ("Queen of Heaven") and surprised the collected amount with a sung passage from prayer. This prayer is one of the four Marian antiphones that is prayed during Easter.

The city of Rome had announced that 150,000 people were expected to pray in St. Peter's Square, and extensive police forces were mobilized. However, the official estimate of the crowd is still pending. Before Leo gave his speech, the sounds of musicians from all over the world fulfilled the place that played classic songs from their home countries and even pop songs such as "YMCA" from the Village People from 1978 as part of an "anniversary of the bands".

outlook for the future

When he ended his speech, you heard loud calls to "Viva Il Papa" or "Long live the Pope" among the tens of thousands of people. Pope Leo indicated on Saturday that his pontificate will remain close to the foot traces of the late Pope Francis. He outlined a vision for a church that focuses on missionary approaches, brave dialogue with the contemporary world as well as loving care for the least and excluded.

Leo is expected to appear progressive in social issues such as migration and poverty, but at the same time remains moderate in moral questions of Catholic teaching.

visits and prayers

In his first meeting with the cardinals on Saturday, the new Pope explained that he chose his papal name to the path of Pope Leo XIII. to continue "the social question in the context of the first major industrial revolution". Leo XIII, who was Pope from 1878 to 1903, placed great importance on the rights of the workers and the Catholic social teaching.

Pope Leo XIV also used his first weekend to visit the basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where he on grave by franziskus prayed. He also visited an Augustiner sanctuary in the surrounding area of Rome, the Madonna del Buon Consiglio (mother of the good council) in Genazzano, Italy.

Leo is the first Pope from the Augustinian order to value social work and community formation. He worked for more than a decade as a general senior of the Augustiner, which gave him experience in the management of a worldwide common order.

expectations for the installation fair

At the upcoming installation fair of Pope Leo, which will take place on Sunday, May 18, even larger crowds are expected in St. Peter's Square.

This article is based on reports from CNN, especially Sharon Braithwaite and Christopher Lamb.