Pope Leo XIV called for peace in Ukraine and a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip

In his first sermon, Pope Leo XIV called for an end to the conflicts in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip and the reconciliation of India and Pakistan. This was reported on May 11 on the website of the press service of the Holy See.

The Pontiff issued an appeal against any armed conflict, recalling the words of his predecessor Francis, who advocated ending crises.

"I urge you to do everything necessary to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible, the release of all prisoners and the return of children to their families," he said.

The Pontiff noted the importance of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages there. He noted that he was "deeply hurt" by the escalation in the Middle East.

The Pope added that he hopes for an early end to the conflict between India and Pakistan, and stressed the importance of negotiations in this process.

The High Priest from across the sea: an American has become the new Pope

Robert Francis Prevost took the name Leo XIV.

On the same day, Leo XIV, addressing the College of Cardinals, called artificial intelligence (AI) one of the most important problems of mankind. He noted that modern developments pose new challenges in the field of protecting human dignity, justice and labor.

Cardinal Robert Prevost from the United States was elected the new pope on May 8. He is the first American cardinal with Latin American roots, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, and a representative of the Augustinian Order. As pontiff, he took the name Leo XIV.