Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and peace in Ukraine during his first Sunday noon blessing as the bishop of Rome. The big picture: Leo's calls echo those of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, who was an outspoken advocate for the besieged Palestinian population and denounced Russia's war in Ukraine.

The new pope echoed themes that Francis, his predecessor, regularly addressed, as he appeared in front of thousands of the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass on Sunday near the tomb of St. Peter, hours before he was to deliver his first Sunday noon blessing from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica