Pope Leo XIV's first message: What he said about Ukraine
Photo: Pope Leo XIV (Getty Images)
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Sunday message at the Vatican. In his speech, he mentioned Ukraine, The Guardian informs.
The new Pope, following tradition, addressed the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. This was his first Sunday message since being elected pontiff.
The new Pope stated that he carries in his heart "suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine" and called for negotiations to achieve an "authentic, just and lasting peace." He continued the tradition of the late Pope Francis, who called for talks between Ukraine and Russia to end the war and repeatedly condemned the deaths of civilians.
Pope Leo XIV also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages. He urged nations for "no more war."
New Pope
It is important to note that Pope Francis suddenly passed away on April 21. Earlier in the year, he had fallen seriously ill and spent over a month recovering from pneumonia. He died on Easter Monday due to a stroke. Pope Francis' funeral took place on April 26.
On May 7, the Vatican began a conclave where cardinals were to elect a new pope. The first day of voting ended in failure, but by May 8, white smoke appeared over the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pontiff. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen to lead the Holy See, becoming the first American pope.
Robert Francis Prevost chose the name Leo XIV. The official ceremony for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV will take place on May 18.
