In his first news conference, Pope Leo XIV called for peace in the Middle East and dialogue between the U.S. and

Venezuela and described putting trust in God during the conclave in May.

December 2, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ESTToday at 11:30 a.m. EST

ON BOARD THE PAPAL AIRCRAFT — In his first news conference as pope, Leo XIV on Tuesday called for dialogue between the

United States and Venezuela, emphasized Europe’s importance in resolving the war in Ukraine and said that the church was

working behind the scenes to persuade Hezbollah to “lay down” its weapons and negotiate.