The Catholic Church Pope Leo the 14th has called for no more war in his first Sunday address to 100,000 people attending mass at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square.
“The immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago, on 8 May, after causing 60 million victims,” Pope Leo said.
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“In today’s dramatic scenario of a ‘third world war’ being fought piecemeal. As Pope Francis has repeatedly stated, I too appeal to the great ones of the world, repeating the ever-relevant plea: Never again war!”
He called for a ceasefire in Gaza, where there are grave fears of an imminent famine, as Israel’s blockade enters its third month.
Pope Leo also welcomed news that conflict had stalled between nuclear neighbours India and Pakistan. The nations agreed to a ceasefire brokered by more than thirty countries, including the US.
The Pontiff then prayed for the miracle of peace along with his thousands of onlookers, saying that every effort should be made to end the war in Ukraine too.
In Ukraine, there’s fresh hopes of a cease-fire after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Istanbul on Thursday.
The Russian President has offered to speak to his Ukrainian counterpart. This comes after European leaders threatened Moscow with huge new sanctions if he didn’t agree to an immediate 30-day ceasefire.
Ukraine and Europe’s so-called coalition of the willing, includes the UK, France, Germany and Poland. The nations firmed that peace talks cannot take place without a ceasefire first.
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