Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Leaders to Embrace Peace During First Easter Mass

A sea of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to witness Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Easter Mass address as pontiff. Surrounded by white roses on the central balcony of the Vatican’s basilica, the pope called on those who wield the ability to ignite conflicts to prioritize peace. He emphasized,

“On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant His peace to a world ravaged by wars.”

As the first US-born pope, Leo has emerged as a vocal critic of the Iran war and has consistently advocated for de-escalation in recent public speeches. His message during the Mass avoided naming specific nations or conflicts, marking a departure from prior traditions. Instead, he paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who delivered his final Easter address hours before passing last year.

Resurrection as a Call to Nonviolence

Leo drew parallels between the Easter story of Christ’s resurrection and the present global climate.

“Jesus was entirely nonviolent in the face of suffering, three days after being crucified,”

he remarked, urging followers to reflect on this ideal in their own lives. The basilica’s square was adorned with spring blooms, including rows of daffodils and a vibrant array of purple, red, and white flowers.

During his address, the pope highlighted humanity’s growing desensitization to violence.

“We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people,”

he said. He called for action, stating,

“Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace.”

Leo concluded his blessing with multilingual Easter greetings, spanning Latin, Arabic, and Chinese, as bells echoed through the Vatican. The pope also announced plans to return to the basilica on 11 April for a peace prayer vigil. In recent Holy Week addresses, he has repeatedly warned against a rising apathy toward war and suffering, encouraging believers to actively pursue reconciliation.

His appeal extended beyond general calls for peace, with a rare direct message to Donald Trump on Tuesday.

“I urge the US President to find an ‘off-ramp’ to end the conflict with Iran,”

Leo stated, underscoring his commitment to global harmony. The Mass served as a poignant reminder of Easter’s significance in the Christian liturgical calendar, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ—a cornerstone of the faith.