The newly elected Pope Leo XIV called for an end to the war in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip this Sunday during his first mass from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
After his first Regina Coeli prayer, a Marian prayer, in front of 100,000 people, Leon XIV urged the congregation to remember history to not forget the drama looming over the world, according to Vatican News.
Alluding to the "immense tragedy of World War II," the Holy Father warned that "in the current dramatic scenario" there is "a third world war hanging in the balance."
"As Pope Francis has repeatedly stated, I also address the great leaders of the world, reiterating the ever-relevant call: 'Never again war!'" he said.
The new Pope expressed words of support for the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression.
"I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people, and I hope that everything possible is done to achieve a true, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible. May all prisoners be released and may the children return to their families," he commented.
He also said that "he is deeply saddened by what is happening in the Gaza Strip, ceasefire immediately! Humanitarian aid must be provided to the exhausted civilian population and all hostages must be released."
On the other hand, the Supreme Pontiff celebrated the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
"I have welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that a lasting agreement will be reached soon through the upcoming negotiations," he emphasized.
León XIV said that he trusts in his "sincere plea to the Queen of Peace, to present it to the Lord Jesus and obtain for us the miracle of peace."
The Pope did not forget this Mother's Day, celebrated on the third Sunday of May in over 90 countries.
"I send warm greetings to all mothers, with a prayer for them and for those who are already in Heaven. Happy Mother's Day to all mothers!" he concluded.
León XIV addresses the challenges of artificial intelligence
On Saturday, the newly elected Pope addressed the challenges facing humanity regarding artificial intelligence.
In his first speech before the College of Cardinals, the Supreme Pontiff justified his choice of name by explaining that “Pope Leo XIII, with the historic encyclical Rerum novarum, addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution.”
Similarly, "today, the Church offers everyone its treasure of social doctrine in response to another industrial revolution and the development of artificial intelligence," he added.
The Bishop of Rome expressed his gratitude in his first official address to the cardinals for the papal responsibility, which he referred to as “this yoke (…) much heavier than my strength, as it would be for anyone.”
The Pope and Cuba
Robert Francis Prevost, 69 years old, was elected this week as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. Belonging to the Augustinian Order, he is the first American Pope and also holds Peruvian citizenship, having lived in that country for several years.
Former Cardinal Prevost has had a direct connection with Cuba, a country he visited several times before his appointment as Supreme Pontiff.
Recently, a photo of him surfaced on social media in Havana next to the deceased dissident Harold Cepero Escalante in front of the Havana Cathedral, capturing a moment of Christian brotherhood that takes on new meaning today.
Cepero Escalante, a member of the Christian Liberation Movement, died at the age of 32 in Granma while riding in a car with Oswaldo Payá. The event was classified as an "accident" by the government, but family, friends, and a 2015 report from the Human Rights Foundation attribute it to a deliberate action of the regime.
Precisely, following the election of the new Pope, Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel sent congratulatory messages, aiming to project an image of harmony and continuity in relations with the Vatican.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pope Leo XIV and His Message of Peace
What has Pope Leo XIV said about the war in Ukraine?
Pope Leo XIV has called for an end to the war in Ukraine, expressing his support for the Ukrainian people and urging for a true, just, and lasting peace. He has also requested the release of prisoners and the return of children to their families.
What is Pope Leo XIV's stance on the conflict in the Gaza Strip?
Pope Leo XIV has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and for humanitarian aid to be provided to the civilian population. He has also requested the release of all hostages, expressing his concern for the situation in the region.
What is the relationship between Pope Leo XIV and Cuba?
Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Francis Prevost, has visited Cuba on several occasions prior to his current appointment. He has had a direct connection with the country, and recently a photo of him alongside the late dissident Harold Cepero Escalante has been circulated. Additionally, Cuban leaders such as Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel have sent him congratulatory messages following his election.
What is Pope Leo XIV's vision on artificial intelligence?
Pope Leo XIV believes that artificial intelligence represents a challenge for humanity. In his first speech, he compared this challenge to the first industrial revolution and emphasized that the Church offers its social doctrine as a response to this new technological revolution.
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