Never war again! Pope Leo calls for peace in Ukraine and Gaza

Never war again! Pope Leo calls for peace in Ukraine and Gaza

Pope Leo XIV stepped on the Balcony of the Petal Basilica, surrounded by roaring applause and an electrifying atmosphere. He held his first Sunday sermon and called for peace in Ukraine and Gaza Strip.

an unforgettable moment in the Vatican

When Leo stood on this balcony, which was decorated with velvet, the air was still crossed by the intoxicating fragrance of the white smoke, while the amount of shock and astonishment was fulfilled. Just a few days earlier, the choice of US Papstes Almost impossible.

a familiar and experienced Pontifex

The believers who had gathered on St. Peter's Square knew exactly what she was expecting: a Pontifex born in Chicago, shaped in Peru and is well experienced in the Vatican.

A call to peace

"Let us accept the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his current message: the invitation to welcome young people and to accompany them on their way," Leo said on Sunday in fluent Italian from the balcony. "Let's ask our heavenly father to help us live in the mutual service."

"In the dramatic scenario of a third World War, which is fought in the piece of work, I, like Pope Francis, also judge a timeless appeal to the world leaders: never war again!"

demands for humanitarian aid

Pope Leo spoke out for peace in Ukraine, called for an armistice in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. He also emphasized the need for humanitarian aid for the "exhausted population" in Gaza. "I welcome the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and hope that we can get a permanent agreement through negotiations," he added.

a special prayer and large crowds

he sent a "peace message" and led the believers for the first time in Regina Caeli ("Queen of Heaven"), surprising the gathered with the singing of part of the prayer.

The city of Rome reported 150,000 expected people who gather for prayer on St. Peter's Square. The place was already fulfilled before Leo's speech with music, since hundreds of musicians from all over the world invaded an anniversary of brass bands and classic songs from their home countries as well as pop songs such as the famous "Ymca" by Village People.

When he ended his speech, sounded "Viva Il Papa", which "Long live the Pope", sounded from the ranks of the crowd.

A look into the future

Pope Leo indicated on Saturday that his pontificate will follow the footsteps of the late Pope Francis by formulating a vision for a church that is shaped by missionary focus, courageous dialogue with the modern world and a "loving care for the smallest and despised"

He is expected to pursue progressive approaches on social issues such as migration and poverty, but to be more moderate in moral questions of Catholic teaching.

an important step in the church leadership

In his first meeting with the cardinals on Saturday, the new Pope said that he had chosen his papal name to the path of Pope Leo XIII. to continue that "the social question in the context of the first major industrial revolution". Leo XIII, who was Pope from 1878 to 1903, had a strong focus on the rights of workers and the Catholic social teaching.

Pope Leo XIV used his first weekend as a Pontifex to visit the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, where he on grave by franziskus prayed. In addition, he traveled to a Augustinian sanctuary just outside of Rome, the Madonna del Buon Consiglio in Genazzano, Italy.

Leo is the first Pope from the Order of Augustin, who places special emphasis on service and community education. He led the Augustiner as a prior for over a decade, which gave him experience in the management of a worldwide common order.

a big community experience

On Sunday, May 18, even larger crowds are expected on St. Peter's Square when Pope Leo's introductory fair takes place.

The report was supported by CNNS Sharon Braithwaite and Christopher Lamb.