Pope Leo XIV has delivered his first Sunday blessing and speech after he was elected new head of the Roman Catholic Church. He called for a peaceful solution to conflicts around the world.



The pontiff stepped out onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and addressed a crowd. The Holy See estimates about 100,000 people turned up at St. Peter's Square.



The pope appealed for every effort to be made to reach an authentic, just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.



He also sought an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and called for the resumption of humanitarian aid provision for people in the enclave and the release of all remaining hostages still held there.



The pope echoed words of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, in calling for leaders of the world to avoid any more wars.



A member of the audience said the new pope sent very important words to all of humanity.



The pope had also repeated the word "peace" on Thursday, when he gave his first speech to a crowd of followers as pontiff.



He will attend a mass on May 18, in which participants will congratulate him on his ascension to the throne of St. Peter.