France, May 11 -- Pope Leo XIVappealed to the world's major powers for "no morewar" during his first Sunday message to crowds in St. Peter's Square in Rome since he was elected on 8 May.

The new pope called for an "authentic and lasting peace" in the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of all Israeli hostages held by militant group Hamas.

He also welcomed Saturday's ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistanand said he was praying to God to grant the world the "miracle of peace".

The Pope also recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, to the tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square and on the Via della Conciliazione leading to the Vatican.Call for peace

Speaking from the cent...