STORY: Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful with his thoughts about the "many armed conflicts" happening in the world during the traditional Angelus prayer he held on Sunday (June 15) in St Peter's Square.

In his message, the pontiff, who has been in office since May 8, appealed for peace in Myanmar, where "despite the ceasefire, fighting continues."

Leo also prayed for the victims of the massacre in Yelwata, Nigeria, and for those who died in the ongoing conflict in the Republic of Sudan.

"We continue to pray for peace in the Middle East, in Ukraine, and throughout the world," he added, before imparting the blessing to the faithful gathered in the Vatican.

Before the prayer, the Pope had an unexpected tour of St Peter's Square in his popemobile, waving to the people and greeting the children.

While mingling with the crowd, the pontiff was offered a biscuit by a little girl, which he ate after thanking her.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (JUNE 15, 2025) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF POPE LEO ON POPEMOBILE WAVING TO CROWDS IN ST PETER'S SQUARE

2. CHILD OFFERING BISCUIT TO POPE / POPE EATING BISCUIT

3. TOP VIEW OF POPE WAVING TO CROWDS

4. POPE GREETING FAITHFUL FROM DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

5. VARIOUS OF POPE LEO WAVING TO CROWDS

6. POPEMOBILE DRIVING TO ALTAR

7. POPE GREETING CROWD NEAR ALTAR

8. POPE WALKING TO ALTAR

9. PEOPLE IN SQUARE TAKING PHOTOS, WAVING

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"There are many armed conflicts. In Myanmar, despite the ceasefire, fighting continues, with damage also to civilian infrastructure. I call on all parties to take the path of inclusive dialogue, the only one that can lead to a peaceful and stable solution."

11. PEOPLE IN SQUARE APPLAUDING

12. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"On the night between June 13 and 14, in the town of Yelwata, in the local administrative area of Guma, Benue State, Nigeria, a terrible massacre occurred in which about 200 people were killed with extreme cruelty, most of whom were internally displaced persons hosted by the local Catholic mission. I pray that security, justice and peace will prevail in Nigeria."

13. TOP VIEW OF SQUARE

14. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"I also think of the Republic of Sudan, which has been ravaged by violence for over two years. I have received the sad news of the death of Reverend Luke Jumu, parish priest of El Fasher, victim of a bombing. While I assure my prayers for him and for all the victims, I renew my appeal to the fighters to stop, protect civilians and engage in dialogue for peace."

15. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

16. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

"We continue to pray for peace in the Middle East, in Ukraine, and throughout the world."

17. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

18. POPE GIVING BLESSING