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Pope Leo XIV called for peace in Ukraine and Gaza in his first Sunday noon blessing as the new pope.
‘Never again war,’ he declared to the masses gathered below his balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Recalling the end of the Second World War 80 years ago, Leo quoted Pope Francis in denouncing the number of conflicts ravaging the globe today, saying it is a ‘third world war in pieces’.
Leo also highlighted that Sunday is 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.
Earlier on Sunday, Leo celebrated a private Mass near the tomb of St Peter.
More to follow.
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