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Pope Leo XIV used his inauguration mass on Sunday to shine a spotlight on global conflicts, particularly emphasizing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where he said people have been "reduced to starvation."
"Children, families, and the elderly in Gaza were reduced to starvation," the pontiff stated during the ceremony held in the Vatican's St. Peter's Square before an estimated crowd of 200,000 faithful and dignitaries.
The newly installed pope also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, stressing "the importance of the negotiations to bring a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," according to the Vatican News Agency.
"In the joy of faith and communion, we cannot forget our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of war," the pope said in his address, where he welcomed delegations representing states, royal families, and other Christian churches.
Following the mass, Pope Leo XIV held a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Vatican News Agency reported.
The pope's comments on Gaza come amid Israel's military campaign in the Palestinian territory, which began after Oct. 7, 2023. The offensive has resulted in more than 53,300 Palestinian deaths, with women and children comprising the majority of casualties.
International legal bodies have taken action regarding the conflict. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its military operations in the enclave.
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