New Pope Leo XIV called for an end to war, calling for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, and welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan

In his first message to the crowds in St Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV called on the major powers to stop the war, calling for a "genuine and lasting peace" in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza. He expressed joy at the recent end of the conflict between India and Pakistan, but stressed that many other conflicts persist. The Pope emphasized the suffering of the Ukrainian people and called for negotiations for peace, expressing deep sadness at the situation in Gaza and calling for humanitarian aid and the release of hostages.