Pope Leo XIV Welcomes India-Pakistan Ceasefire in First Sunday Address, Calls for ‘Miracle of Peace’

India-Pakistan Ceasefire: Pope Leo XIV in his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff welcomed the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, adding that he was praying to God to grant the world the "miracle of peace"

Tens of thousands of faithful followers gathered at the Vatican, anxious for a closer look at the first pope selected from the United States.

They cheered, applauded and enthusiastically waved flags as he proclaimed: "Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!"

The new pope, elected on May 8, did not shy from current world events in his public address after delivering a prayer to the Virgin Mary.

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"Never again war!" Leo said from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica.

Recalling the end of World War II 80 years ago, Leo quoted Pope Francis in denouncing the number of conflicts ravaging the globe today, saying it was a "third world war in pieces."

Leo also recalled that Sunday was Mother's Day in many countries and wished all mothers, "including those in heaven" a Happy Mother's Day.

The crowd, filled with marching bands in town for a special Jubilee weekend, erupted in cheers and music as the bells of St. Peter's Basilica tolled.

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Leo said today’s world was living through “the dramatic scenario of a Third World War being fought piecemeal,” again repeating a phrase coined by Francis.

The new pope said he carries in his heart the “suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine.” He appealed for negotiations to reach an “authentic, just and lasting peace.”

He also said he was “profoundly saddened” by the war in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid and release of the remaining hostages held by the militant group Hamas.

Amid Pakistan violating agreement with India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, EAM Dr S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, CDS, Chiefs of all three services at his residence.

After the accord was reached and had gone into effect at 5 pm on Saturday, India on Saturday said that Pakistan had violated an agreement to stop military action against each other.

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