Pope Leo appeals for 'no more war,' peace in Ukraine, Gaza

 VATICAN CITY - Pope Leo XIV appealed to the world’s major powers for “no more war” in his first Sunday message to crowds in St Peter’s Square since his election as pontiff.

 The new pope, elected on May 8, called for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza and release of all Israeli hostages.

 “No more war!” the pope said, repeating a frequent call of the late Pope Francis and noting the recent 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which killed some 60 million people.

 More than 150,000 people were gathered in St. Peter's Square Sunday to listen to the new pontiff, Vatican sources said.

  jp