Pope Leo XIV supports ceasefire between India and Pakistan, hopes for lasting peace

NEW DELHI: Pope Leo XIV on Sunday welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, stating that he hopes the ongoing negotiations can pave the way for lasting peace.In his first Sunday noon appeal, newly elected Pope Leo XIV called for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire, and the release of hostages in Gaza, urging global efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflicts.Leo also noted that Sunday marked Mother’s Day in many countries and extended his wishes to all mothers, "including those in heaven," for a Happy Mother’s Day. Italian authorities estimated that around 100,000 people gathered in the square.The 69-year-old American-born missionary was elected the 267th pope earlier this week, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.India-Pakistan ceasefireIndia confirmed that it had reached an agreement with Pakistan to stop all military actions across land, air, and sea. The deal was made during a call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from both countries earlier on Saturday.The initial escalation began when terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam on April 22.In response, India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, targeting nine terror launchpads with 'precision strikes' in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.Pakistan attempted to escalate the issue with drone attacks on regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan and Gujarat -- which were intercepted by Indian defence systems -- increasing fears of further conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.However, on Saturday evening, just a few hours after the ceasefire declaration, ceasefire violations were witnessed by Pakistan in Srinagar and other border areas.Before the ceasefire was announced, India made a significant change to its security policy on Saturday. It declared that any act of terrorism directed against the country would now be treated as an "act of war" and would be responded to accordingly.