Pope Leo calls for global leaders to choose peace in his first Easter Mass

Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Leaders to Embrace Peace in Easter Address

On Sunday, St Peter’s Square saw a large gathering of worshippers as Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural Easter Mass speech. Surrounded by white roses on the Vatican basilica’s central balcony, the pontiff addressed the world’s leaders, emphasizing the importance of peace. “Let those in power who can ignite wars prioritize harmony over conflict,” he stated. The message urged the audience to “release all ambitions for strife, control, and dominance, and ask the Lord to bring peace to a world torn by battles,” according to the pope.

Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, has been a notable opponent of the Iran war and has frequently criticized international conflicts in recent speeches. Before his blessing, he waved to the crowd below, offering the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” greeting, which translates to “to the city and the world.” The square was adorned with spring flowers, including rows of daffodils and a colorful array of purple, red, and white blossoms for the Easter Mass.

“We’ve grown numb to violence, accepting it as routine, and indifferent to the countless lives lost,” the pope remarked. He added, “Let those holding weapons surrender them. Let those with the ability to start wars embrace peace instead.”

In contrast to past traditions, Leo did not specify any nation or conflict in his remarks. He honored his predecessor, Pope Francis, who delivered his last Easter Sunday address hours before his passing last year. Drawing from the Easter narrative of Christ’s resurrection, the pope highlighted Jesus’ “complete nonviolence” amid suffering. For Christians, Easter symbolizes the core belief in Christ’s rising from the dead, a pivotal moment in the liturgical year.

As the bells of Vatican City echoed and the crowd cheered, Leo concluded his blessing by sharing Easter wishes in multiple languages, such as Latin, Arabic, and Chinese. The pope also revealed plans to return to the basilica on April 11 for a peace prayer vigil. Recent Holy Week sermons have seen him consistently criticize the rising global apathy toward war and its consequences. During the Easter vigil on Saturday night, he urged followers to remain engaged in efforts for reconciliation rather than becoming desensitized to conflict’s scale.

Notably, Leo made a direct appeal to Donald Trump on Tuesday, asking the U.S. president to seek a resolution to the Iran conflict. His call for peace has been a recurring theme, reflecting his commitment to reducing tensions worldwide.