- May 12, 2025
- 12:06 am
- World News
In his first public address as Pope on Sunday, May 11, 2025, Leo XIV expressed his firm intention to work for peace in the world. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, he addressed the audience with a clear and powerful message that touched on two major global issues: the war in Ukraine and military actions in the Gaza Strip, the release of all Israeli hostages held by the terrorist group Hamas.
Pope Leo XIV repeated the famous call of his predecessor: “Never again war!”
Call for Peace in Ukraine
Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep solidarity with the Ukrainian people, emphasizing the importance of “just and lasting peace.” In his address, he stated:
“I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. May everything possible be done to achieve a true, just, and lasting peace”.
He also addressed the issue of the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children to their families, which in the current conflict is an important humanitarian task.
Ceasefire in Gaza
Another important topic raised by the Pope was the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to be provided to the affected civilian population.
“The immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza is our duty,” he noted in his message.
He paid special attention to the release of all Israeli hostages held by the terrorist group Hamas. The Pope emphasized the importance of an immediate halt to hostilities and the swift provision of humanitarian aid to the victims.
“I am deeply saddened by the war in Gaza and call for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, and the release of all remaining hostages,” said the Pope.
Pope Leo XIV also cited the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, welcoming it as an important step towards peace in the region. This example became a symbol of how, even under difficult conditions, peace can be achieved if countries are willing to negotiate.
Pope Leo XIV: A Historic Moment
Pope Leo XIV became the first pope from the United States, marking a historic moment in the history of the Catholic Church. He was elected on the conclave on May 8, 2025. His address on the day of his appointment in the Vatican gathered over 100,000 people, including not only believers but also political leaders. This underscores the importance of his messages on the global stage.
Important Steps for Peace
Leo XIV did not limit himself to just a speech. He also proposed concrete steps for achieving peace:
- Ceasefire in Ukraine and Gaza.
- Humanitarian aid for affected civilians.
- Release of prisoners of war and return of children.
These proposals became the foundation of his first public steps as pontiff, and now he will work on their implementation.
Position of Israel and Ukraine
Many Israelis and Ukrainians view the Pope’s initiative as an important sign for global politics, where even the most complex conflicts can be resolved if the right approach and willingness to negotiate are present.
NAnews is closely monitoring how the global community will respond to Pope Leo XIV’s call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the continuation of the peace process in Ukraine.
Pope Leo XIV through his actions and words once again reminded the world of the need for efforts to achieve peace. His message to world leaders, “Never again war,” holds special significance for many countries, including Israel and Ukraine, for whom peace in the region is not only a political but also a humanitarian duty. We will closely follow the development of the situation and how the global community will react to this important call.
NAnews https://nikk.agency/ will continue to monitor the developments, covering key moments for Israelis and Ukrainians.
