Pope Leo XIV: May every effort be made to reach a true, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible

11.05.2025, 16:20

During the first Sunday prayer with the faithful, Pope Leo XIV turned his thoughts to countries suffering from war, calling for no more war and for a true and just peace to come to Ukraine as soon as possible. He also greeted all mothers on the occasion of Mother's Day.

“I carry in my heart the suffering of the beloved Ukrainian people. May every effort be made to reach a true, just, and lasting peace as soon as possible. May all prisoners be freed, and may the children be returned to their families,” Pope Leo XIV called following a prayer to the Virgin Mary on Sunday, May 11, 2025, Vatican News reports.

Before that, His Holiness said: “Dear brothers and sisters! The immense tragedy of World War II came to an end eighty years ago on May 8, after causing 60 million deaths. In today's dramatic scenario of a third world war in tatters, as repeatedly stated by Pope Francis, I also address the powerful of the world, reiterating the ever-timely appeal: No more war!”.

Following the appeal dedicated to Ukraine, Leo XIV also expressed his profound sadness caused by the events in the Gaza Strip, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid to the exhausted civilian population, as well as the release of all hostages.

“On the other hand, I welcomed the announcement of the recent announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and hope that, through the upcoming negotiations, a lasting agreement may soon be reached,” the Holy Father said, adding: “But how many other conflicts are there in the world? I entrust this heartfelt appeal to Mary Queen of Peace, so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus and obtain for us the miracle of peace.”

Full recording of the Pope's words and Regina Caeli prayer:

Back in the spring of 2023, during an interview, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost condemned the war that Russia launched against Ukraine. In particular, he called for peace in Ukraine and criticized the Russian invasion, calling it “imperialist.”

“This is a true imperialist invasion, where Russia wants to conquer territory for reasons of power. This has already been proven, and crimes against humanity are taking place in Ukraine,” Cardinal Prevost emphasized.