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.

Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the war in Ukraine on Sunday, in his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff since his election.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy may attend the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV, which will take place on May 18, the Head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak, says in a comment to Reuters.

I invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine. Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers and to all our people,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X.

In his first audience with journalists as the pontiff, Leo renewed pleas for a more peaceful world. He also spoke to Ukraine’s president on Monday.

Leo gave a prepared address and then opened the floor to any cardinal who wanted to make a comment, a different format to what previous popes have done.

How Pope Leo XIV chooses to tackle critical topics from same-sex marriage to women in the church remains to be seen, but those who know him say he’ll likely continue his predecessor’s path in his own image.