Pope Leo calls for global leaders to choose peace in his first Easter Mass
Pope Leo Calls for Global Leaders to Choose Peace in His First Easter Mass
On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful during his inaugural Easter Mass, delivering a message from the central balcony of Vatican’s St Peter’s Square. The pontiff, who is the first US-born leader of the Church, emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize peace over conflict. Framed by white roses, his words urged those in positions of authority to embrace tranquility instead of perpetuating war.
Key Message: Choosing Peace Over Conflict
“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,” the pope declared.
He highlighted the growing desensitization to violence, noting that people have become indifferent to the deaths caused by ongoing conflicts. “Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace,” he added, calling for active reconciliation efforts.
Background and Recent Stance
Leo has increasingly criticized global wars, particularly the conflict with Iran, in recent public addresses. While he did not explicitly name any nation or dispute in his Easter speech—a departure from past traditions—he honored his predecessor, Pope Francis, who delivered his final Easter address hours before passing away last year.
The pope referenced the story of Christ’s resurrection, underscoring the nonviolent nature of Jesus during his suffering. “Three days after being nailed to the cross, he rose without retaliation,” he stated, drawing parallels to the present day.
The Urbi et Orbi Blessing
Following his address, Leo bestowed the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, a traditional Latin phrase meaning “to the city and the world.” St Peter’s Square was adorned with spring blooms, including rows of daffodils and a vibrant array of purple, red, and white flowers for the Easter Mass.
As the bells of the Vatican echoed and the crowd applauded, the pope concluded his message with multilingual Easter greetings, including Latin, Arabic, and Chinese. He also announced plans to return to the basilica on 11 April for a peace prayer vigil.
Looking Ahead
In recent weeks, Leo has consistently condemned global conflicts, using Holy Week sermons to warn against escalating violence. During Saturday’s Easter vigil, he urged followers to remain engaged in resolving disputes rather than becoming numb to their scale. Notably, he made a rare direct appeal to Donald Trump, asking the US president to seek a resolution in the Iran conflict.
