Pope’s Easter Message: Leaders Must Choose Peace Over War

On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV marked his inaugural Easter Mass as pontiff, addressing a gathering of thousands of Catholics at St. Peter’s Basilica and Square in Rome. His address included a traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, emphasizing a call for global leaders to pursue peace instead of conflict.

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

Reiterating his stance against war, Leo urged a shift from aggressive strategies toward harmony. “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,” he said, without naming specific leaders.

Leo, a US-born pontiff, also warned against growing indifferent to violence. “Let us not become accustomed to it,” he cautioned, highlighting his ongoing critique of recent military actions, including the U.S.-Israel war in Iran.

Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican is a pivotal moment for Catholics worldwide, symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph over death. During the ceremony, the pope delivered messages of peace in 10 languages, among them Arabic, Chinese, and Latin.

As he concluded, Leo announced his intention to return to St. Peter’s for a peace-focused vigil on Saturday, underscoring his commitment to fostering tranquility through prayer and reflection.

To view the related video, ensure JavaScript is enabled and your browser supports HTML5 video playback.