Pope Leo calls for peace in Gaza, Myanmar and Ukraine at the end of his inaugural mass

Pope Leo XIV called for peace in Gaza, Myanmar, and Ukraine during a Sunday blessing at the end of his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

Leo expressed hope for negotiations to bring a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine and offered prayers for the people of Gaza — children, families and elderly who are “reduced to hunger,” he said.

Leo made no mention of hostages taken by Hamas from southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, as…