Pope Leo XIV calls for peace in Gaza and Ukraine in his first Sunday blessing, urging an end to violence and humanitarian aid while addressing 100,000 worshippers.

On his first Sunday appearance as pope, Leo XIV made a passionate appeal for peace and an end to the armed conflicts in the world, especially in Ukraine and Gaza, and cried out, “Never again war!”

I, too, address the world’s great powers by repeating the ever-present call ‘never again war,’” Leo said from St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass on Sunday near the tomb of St. Peter, hours before he was to deliver his first Sunday noon blessing from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Sunday noon blessing from the loggia at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, three days after the 69-year-old Chicago-born missionary made history as the first American elected to lead the Catholic Church.

The newly elected pope followed in his predecessor's footsteps, calling for ceasefires in Ukraine, Gaza, India, Pakistan and Kashmir.