Pope Leo XIV warns of spectre of global war in first Sunday address
TDT | Vatican City
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See Pope Leo XIV condemned the spectre of a “third world war” in his first Sunday address, addressing international crises just days after becoming the Catholic Church’s new leader.
From the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, the Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost, 69, greeted tens of thousands of people gathered below him in St Peter’s Square, cheering, applauding wildly and enthusiastically waving flags.
“Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!” grinned the first pontiff from the United States, in just his second official public appearance since being elected pope Thursday in a secret conclave of cardinals.
But despite the festive atmosphere, the 267th pontiff addressed turbulent current events head-on. Following a short prayer to the Virgin Mary, he cited the recent 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a conflict which killed 60 million people.
“In today’s dramatic scenario of a third world war... as repeatedly stated by Pope Francis, I also address the powerful of the world, repeating the ever-timely appeal: No more war!” Leo urged from the balcony.
As had his predecessor Francis, he appealed for a “genuine, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and said he was “deeply saddened” by events in the Gaza Strip, calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
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