Context:

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, delivered his inaugural Sunday address at the Vatican, urging global leaders to strive for peace amidst ongoing conflicts. Elected after the death of Pope Francis, he expressed profound sorrow over the war in Ukraine, the turmoil in Gaza, and emphasized the need for a lasting peace between India and Pakistan. He highlighted the tragic echoes of past world wars, calling for an end to the 'third world war in pieces'. His message was a plea for the release of prisoners, the return of displaced children, and the flow of humanitarian aid in conflict zones. The formal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV is scheduled for May 18, with further engagement with the media planned for May 12.

Dive Deeper:

• Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, ascended to the papacy following Pope Francis's death, making history as the first American Pope after a conclave in Vatican City.

• In his first Sunday address, he delivered the Regina Caeli prayer from St. Peter's Basilica and called for a cessation of war and conflict globally, specifically addressing the war in Ukraine and violence in Gaza.

• The Pope expressed his hope for a lasting peace agreement between India and Pakistan, referencing a recent ceasefire as a positive development towards long-term resolution.

• Highlighting the devastating consequences of previous world conflicts, he warned of a 'third world war in pieces' and reiterated the Vatican's long-standing call for 'no more war'.

• He urged for humanitarian actions such as freeing prisoners and reuniting displaced children with their families, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza.

• Pope Leo XIV is set to be formally inaugurated on May 18 and will address the media on May 12, indicating his commitment to engaging with global issues from the outset of his papacy.

• His address emphasized compassion and action, reflecting on the suffering of people in war-torn regions and calling for immediate measures to alleviate their plight.

• Pope Leo XIV is giving his first Sunday address at the Vatican.

• The 69-year-old Pope, who assumed the role of Pope in the Catholic Church after a two day conclave in Vatican City, delivered the Regina Caeli prayer from the main central loggia of St Peter’s basilica on Sunday (May 11) in Vatican City, Vatican.

• Formerly Robert Francis Prevost, he was elected to the papacy on May 8 following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.

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• During his speech, he called for “lasting peace” in the war in Ukraine, and said he was “deeply hurt” by events in Gaza, expressed hope for a “lasting accord” between India and Pakistan, and wished for a “authentic, true and lasting peace” in Ukraine, via BBC.

• The Pope also recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honor of the Virgin Mary.

• Pope Leo will be formally inaugurated at a mass in St Peter’s Square on May 18.

• “The immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago… now we’re facing the tragedy of a third world war in pieces,” he said.

• “I would also like to address the powerful people of the world, repeating the always-current call: ‘no more war’.”

• “I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. May whatever is possible be done to reach an authentic, true and lasting peace as quickly as possible. May all the prisoners be freed. May children return to their families. And I am deeply hurt by what is happening in the Gaza Strip. May a ceasefire immediately come into effect. May humanitarian aid be allowed into the civilian population and may all hostages be freed…I was happy to hear on the other hand that there was a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through the coming negotiations we might soon come to a lasting accord,” he said.

• He is due to speak with the media on Monday (May 12) ahead of his inauguration.

• Pope Leo is the first American to become a pontiff. Find out more about him!