Pope Leo sends message to Putin in first Sunday blessing as he says 'never again'

 Pope Leo XIV didn't waste any time using his inaugural Sunday noon blessing to subtly nudge the Kremlin towards peace, hours after Vladimir Putin spoke of talks with Ukraine.

Addressing the masses from St Peter's Basilica's loggia, Pope Leo called for "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine, an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza, and pushed for the release of captives and the provision of humanitarian assistance.

He emphatically declared: "Never again war!", in what seemed like a direct nod to Russia's current military actions. Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of World War 2's conclusion, he echoed Pope Francis's sentiments about the fragmented nature of today's global conflicts, labelling it a "third world war in pieces".

The first American pope also acknowledged that Sunday marked Mother's Day in numerous countries, extending his best wishes to all mums, "including those in heaven," for a joyous Mother's Day.

The atmosphere was electric with cheers and melodies as marching bands, present for a special Jubilee weekend, celebrated while St Peter's Basilica's bells rang out.

This marked Pope Leo's return to the loggia since his initial appearance post-election on Thursday night, where he similarly advocated for peace, reports the Express.

Earlier that day, the Pope had conducted a private Mass adjacent to St Peter's tomb alongside the head of his Augustinian order, Rev Alejandro Moral Anton.

Below St Peter's, where the grottoes usually welcome visitors, lie the resting places of former popes, including Pope Benedict XVI.

On Saturday, Leo paid his respects at the tomb of Pope Francis, situated across town at the St. Mary Major Basilica.

The 69 year old missionary, originally from Chicago, was elected as the 267th pope on Thursday, succeeding Pope Francis who passed away on April 21.

St Peters Square was brimming with pilgrims, well-wishers and intrigued spectators, many proudly waving flags representing their home countries.

Leo made a point to acknowledge several special groups in the crowd.