AP PHOTOS: Pope Leo XVI addresses crowds in his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff

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Pope Leo XIV called for a genuine and just peace in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff that featured some symbolic gestures suggesting a message of unity in a polarized Catholic Church.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

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AP PHOTOS: Pope Leo XVI addresses crowds in his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff

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AP PHOTOS: Pope Leo XVI addresses crowds in his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff

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