Pope Leo XIV has called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza with the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid.

"It's a great thing for the United States and for the world," she said.

Pope Leo XIV has used his first Sunday blessing at the Vatican to address conflicts around the world, calling for an end to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.What It MattersLeo's inaugural Sunday blessing marks a significant return of public papal engagement after months of health-related absences by his predecessor,