Pope Leo XIV's Plea for Peace: A Message to the World

Vatican City, May 11, 2025 – In his first address to the world as Pope Leo XIV, the pontiff issued a powerful appeal for peace, focusing on several key global conflicts. Speaking from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to a crowd of tens of thousands, Pope Leo called for an "immediate end to the violence" in Gaza, stating, "Let the fire cease immediately." He also expressed his deep concern for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and urged world leaders to work towards a lasting peace. The Pope's words were met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd, many of whom held up their phones to record the moment. His message of peace and hope offers a beacon of optimism amidst global turmoil. The recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan was also noted by the Pope as a positive step towards global peace.