Pope Leo XIV.: Never again war! - Call to peace on St. Peter's Square

Pope Leo XIV.: Never again war! - Call to peace on St. Peter's Square

Petersplatz, 00187 Rom, Italien - On May 11, 2025, Pope Leo XIV held his first Sunday prayer on St. Peter's Square, in which over 100,000 people took part. As the first American Pope, previously known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, he took the opportunity to impressively call for a peaceful world and called: "Never again war!" Dewezet reports that Remembered. These words were answered by the believers with speech choirs in Italian: "Leone, Leone".

Pope Leo XIV called for a “just peace” in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza War. He put special emphasis on the urgency of the release of the Israeli hostages, which are captured by Islamist extremists. These topics are in line with the latest internationally lived conflicts and the humanitarian crisis, which affect both regions. According to SPIEGEL Dialogue between the parties to the conflict.

a new pontificate

Leo XIV. Pope was elected on Thursday as Pope 267. His choice is seen as an important event that may bring new perspectives for the Catholic Church and the interreligious dialogue. The new pope already visited the grave of his predecessor Francis in the Marienkirche Santa Maria Maggiore and lay down a white rose, a sign of veneration and continuity. A large and solemn trade fair for the next Sunday is planned for the next Sunday at St. Peter's Square, where international state guests, including Vice President JD Vance from the USA, are also expected.

In the constant debate about peace and understanding between religions, Pope Francis emphasized the need for interreligious dialogue during his travels. He viewed it as an "urgent and irreplaceable service in humanity". The interreligious dialogue is regarded as a path to overcome hatred and division. According to ZDF , transcendence and sciences are viewed as a cornerstone for the dialogue between religions. LEO XIV. In based on these principles, could consider measures to promote religious freedom and justice.

The new Pope is at a turning point with its calls and the planned solemn inauguration, which could mobilize both resources and hopes in the fight against the conflicts in the world, as well as the Catholic Church in its internal challenges. It will remain how his pontificate will tackle current and future challenges.