Pope Leo XIV calls for end of fighting in Ukraine, Gaza: ‘Never again war’

New York Post - May 11th, 2025
Open on New York Post

In his inaugural Sunday noon blessing as pope, Leo XIV, the first U.S. pontiff, called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he addressed an audience of 100,000, urging the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid. Leo also expressed concern over the global state of conflict, referring to it as a 'third world war in pieces,' and welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The event was marked by his unique approach, including singing the Regina Caeli prayer and wearing a simple cassock, which signaled his intention to connect with the faithful in a direct and humble manner.

Pope Leo XIV's appeals are significant as they reflect his early commitment to peace and humanitarian issues, echoing the sentiments of his predecessor, Pope Francis. His election as the first American pope and his background as a missionary in Peru highlight the universal nature of the Catholic Church. The presence of international pilgrims, including groups from the U.S. and Peru, further emphasized the global impact of his papacy. As he prepares for his formal installation next Sunday, Leo's messages of peace and unity set the tone for his tenure, potentially influencing international relations and the Church's role in global conflicts.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers Pope Leo XIV's first Sunday blessing and his calls for peace in conflict zones, providing a timely and engaging narrative. It excels in clarity and public interest, offering a well-structured account that captures the significance of the event. However, the lack of explicit source attribution and transparency about the reporting process limits the article's accuracy and source quality. While the piece presents a balanced view, it could benefit from including critical perspectives to enhance its depth and potential for controversy. Overall, the story provides a solid overview of a significant event with room for improvement in transparency and source credibility.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story appears to be largely accurate, with key details such as Pope Leo XIV's call for peace in Ukraine and Gaza, his attire, and the setting of his first Sunday blessing being consistent with known facts. The description of his actions, such as singing the Regina Caeli prayer and the change in papal attire, aligns with traditional papal practices, albeit with noted modifications. However, the story includes claims that require further verification, such as the specific number of attendees and the exact nature of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The mention of Pope Leo XIV quoting Pope Francis about a 'third world war in pieces' is a verifiable fact that aligns with previous papal discourse on global conflicts.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of Pope Leo XIV's actions and the public's reaction to his first Sunday blessing. It covers various perspectives, including those of international pilgrims and local attendees, which adds to the narrative's richness. However, the story predominantly focuses on the positive reception of the new pope, potentially omitting critical viewpoints or dissenting opinions about his election or statements. This lack of critical perspectives could suggest a slight bias towards portraying the event in an overwhelmingly positive light.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to follow, with a clear narrative structure that guides the reader through the events of Pope Leo XIV's first Sunday blessing. The language is straightforward, and the tone is neutral, making the information accessible to a wide audience. The logical flow from the pope's actions to the public's reaction helps maintain reader engagement. However, the inclusion of more detailed context about the geopolitical situations mentioned could further enhance clarity.

6
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite its sources, which makes it challenging to assess the credibility and reliability of the information presented. While the details align with what is generally known about papal events, the lack of direct attribution or named sources limits the ability to verify the claims independently. The piece would benefit from references to official Vatican statements, eyewitness accounts, or expert commentary to enhance its source quality.

5
Transparency

The story lacks transparency regarding its sources and the methodology used to gather the information. There is no disclosure about the potential biases of the reporters or the publication, nor is there an explanation of how the data was collected. This absence of transparency makes it difficult for readers to assess the impartiality of the article and the reliability of its claims. Greater transparency would involve clear attribution of quotes and a description of the reporting process.

Sources

  1. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pope-leo-xiv-lays-out-vision-papacy-artificial-intelligence/
  2. https://abcnews.go.com/International/new-american-pope-leo-xiv-robert-prevost/story?id=121604332
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VAOxH96duU
  4. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/pope-leo-xvi-peace-be-with-you-first-words.html
  5. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-05/biography-of-robert-francis-prevost-pope-leo-xiv.html