Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowd in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, echoing the urgent plea for peace that was a recurring theme of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Tens of thousands of the faithful joined curious tourists to gather on the square to hear the words of the first American pope, a Chicago native, avowed White Sox fan − and longtime Francis confidant. Leo, who was elected pontiff on May 8, recalled “the immense tragedy of the Second World War” and urged world leaders not to allow another one to shatter civilization.
“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 in Italian.
Leo said he welcomed the recent announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He said he hoped that through the upcoming negotiations “a lasting agreement may soon be reached.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine aimed at ending the three-year war. Leo appealed for negotiations to reach an “authentic, just and lasting peace, adding that he carries in his heart the “suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine.”
The pope also said he was “profoundly saddened” by the war in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid and release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. And he pleaded for an end to the fighting in Gaza.
“I am deeply pained by what is happening,” he said. “Let the fighting cease immediately, let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and may all hostages be released.”
Leo concluded with an appeal to Mary Queen of Peace, “so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus and obtain for us the miracle of peace.”
Pope Francis, who called a church in Gaza almost every night throughout the war, had repeatedly pushed for peace.
Bands from around the world were visiting Rome for the ongoing Catholic Holy Year. Minutes before the pope’s address, marching bands serenaded the crowd with American-themed music such as “YMCA,” “Gonna Fly Now,” the theme from the film Rocky, and selections by John Philip Sousa, composer of “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Dennis Gilligan and wife Maureen from Boston were visiting Rome for their anniversary. He said he had passed up an opportunity to see Pope John Paul II when he visited Boston in 1979.
“I regretted it all my life,” he said. “This was very moving.”
Contributing: Reuters