Pope Leo XIV was getting down to work
at the start of his first full week as pontiff on Monday
following his election at last week's papal conclave and his
first Regina Coeli address from the central balcony of Saint
Peter's Basilica on Sunday.
The American pope used the address to make an impassioned appeal
for the end to conflict in the world's war zones, in particular
Ukraine and Gaza, echoing many such appeals made by his
predecessor Pope Francis.
"In today's dramatic context of a third world war fought
piecemeal... I too appeal to the powerful of the world by
repeating these ever-relevant words: never again war," Leo said.
"I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian
people," he said, calling for "every effort be made to reach a
true, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible.
"May all prisoners be freed, and may the children be returned to
their families", he added.
Leo said he was "deeply pained" by what is happening in the Gaza
Strip.
"Let the fighting cease immediately, let humanitarian aid be
provided to the exhausted civilian population, and may all
hostages be released," he said.
He also welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between India
and Pakistan. "I hope that, through the upcoming negotiations, a
lasting agreement may soon be reached," he said.
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