Pope Leo XIV calls for the end of wars in Ukraine and Gaza. The newly elected head of the worldwide Catholic church has already made history by being the first pope from the United States out of 266 previous leaders. During his first Sunday blessing, he requested peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as reported by The Denver Post.
“I carry in my heart the sufferings of the beloved Ukrainian people,” Leo says. “Let everything possible be done to achieve genuine, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible.” He also demanded that relief be provided to the “exhausted civilian population and all hostages be freed.”
Leo was a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru during the beginning of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He blamed Moscow for the “imperialist invasion in which Russia wants to conquer territory for reasons of power given Ukraine’s strategic location.”
Leo continued the Sunday mass celebrating Mother’s Day by wishing mothers, “including those in heaven,” a happy Mother’s Day. The crowd of an estimated 100,000 cheered as the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled during the special Jubilee weekend.
Later, Leo held a private Mass near St. Peter’s tomb, praying for past popes. The Denver Post notes that he prayed “before a mix of progressive and tradition-minded popes.” Pope Paul VI represented the progressive side while Popes Pius XII and Benedict XVI represented the conservative.
A division was created between traditionalists and progressives by Pope Francis’ loose liturgical style. Some are relieved to see Leo return to a more traditional style that he has so far exhibited by wearing the formal red cape that Francis rejected.
Though Leo has made his stance on issue in Ukraine and Gaza clear, it remains to be seen what he will express about the LGBTQ+ community. In 2012, he stated concerns about “enormous sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Gospel,” in reference to abortion, homosexuality, and families with adopted children. It’s not yet clear if his views have changed.
Sunday, May 18, will be Leo’s formal installation where he will hold another mass.
Photos courtesy social media
