Leo XIV appeared at St. Peter's after resting at Castel Gandolfo: “Negotiate a future of peace for all peoples.” Appeal for “full respect for humanitarian law” in Gaza. Comment on the Gospel: “Love as God loves us, without calculation.”

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - “My heart is close to all those who suffer because of conflicts and violence in the world.”

Thus Pope Leo XIV today, after reciting the Angelus from the window of the Vatican Apostolic Palace for the first time after his “rest” in Castel Gandolfo, recalled some of the hostilities that are bloodying the world: on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, in southern Syria, in Gaza.

He urged all parties involved to recognize the “dignity conferred by God himself” on every “human person.” “Stop all actions contrary to this,” said the pontiff. “I urge you to negotiate a peaceful future for all peoples and to reject anything that could jeopardize it.”

The Pope's prayer is “for those involved in the clashes” between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, “especially for the children and displaced families.”

The approximately 820 km border between the two Southeast Asian neighbors has reignited in recent days, following growing tensions in recent weeks. Despite international appeals insisting on a truce - most recently Trump, who announced imminent talks for a ceasefire - exchanges of fire continue.

At least 32 people have been killed and over 200,000 displaced. “May the Prince of Peace inspire everyone to seek dialogue and reconciliation,” said Prevost.

Pope Leo XIV also highlighted “the extremely serious humanitarian situation in Gaza,” which is being followed with “great concern.”

In the enclave deeply marked by Israeli violence and the indifference of the international community, “the civilian population is crushed by hunger and continues to be exposed to violence and death.”

The abuses continue, despite the announcement of “humanitarian pauses” to allow for the “distribution of aid” starting tomorrow, as announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, an action that has not been adequately carried out until now, according to the United Nations.

“I renew my heartfelt appeal for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and full respect for humanitarian law,” Pope Leo said today.

He added: “I entrust to Mary, Queen of Peace, the innocent victims of conflicts and the leaders who have the power to end them.”

Prevost then greeted “with particular affection” the young people who have gathered in Rome for the Youth Jubilee, which takes place from July 28 to August 3. “I hope that it will be an opportunity for each one to encounter Christ and be strengthened by him in their faith and commitment to follow him consistently,” he said.

Recalling the Fifth World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, which is celebrated today, he said: “Let us look to our grandparents and the elderly as witnesses of hope, capable of illuminating the path of the new generations.” He urged people not to leave the elderly alone: “Let us form an alliance of love and prayer with them.”

Before reciting the Marian prayer, Leo XIV commented on the Gospel of the day (Lk 11:1-13). In the passage from Luke, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, after one of them asks him to do so. He gives them the Lord's Prayer, “the prayer that unites all Christians.”

Prevost then quoted the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Through the Lord's Prayer, we are revealed to ourselves, while the Father is revealed to us.” He emphasized the truth of these words: “The more we discover that we are beloved children, the more we know the greatness of his love.”

In today's Gospel, Prevost explained, “the traits of God's fatherhood are revealed through some evocative images.” That is, “that of a man who gets up in the middle of the night to help a friend welcome an unexpected visitor; or that of a parent who is concerned about giving good things to his children.”

These images remind us that God never ignores anyone who turns to Him, “even if we arrive late at His door, perhaps after mistakes, missed opportunities, or failures,” the pontiff explained this morning.

Reciting the Our Father, “in addition to celebrating the grace of divine sonship, we also express our commitment to respond to this gift by loving one another as brothers and sisters in Christ,” he continued. "We cannot pray to God as ‘Father’ and then be harsh and insensitive toward others. Rather, it is important to let ourselves be transformed by his goodness, his patience, his mercy, so that we may reflect his face in ours as in a mirror.“

Prevost concluded his commentary by emphasizing how today's liturgy invites us ”to feel loved and to love as God loves us: with openness, discretion, mutual concern, without calculation."