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

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

On Sunday, St Peter’s Square welcomed thousands of attendees for the inaugural Easter Mass speech by Pope Leo XIV, marking his first address as pontiff. Positioned beneath white roses adorning the central balcony of Vatican Basilica, the pope emphasized the importance of peace, directing his message toward those in positions to ignite 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,” he declared, calling for a collective shift away from violence.

As the first U.S.-born pope, Leo XIV has emerged as a prominent voice against global conflicts, including the Iran war. In recent public statements, he has consistently advocated for de-escalation, urging leaders to prioritize harmony over discord. Before delivering his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing—a Latin term meaning “to the city and the world”—he greeted the crowd below, a gesture that underscored his connection to the faithful.

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

The square was adorned with vibrant spring blooms, featuring rows of daffodils and an array of purple, red, and white flowers arranged for the Easter Mass. In his address, the pope highlighted a growing desensitization to violence, stating, “We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent, indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people.” This sentiment reflects his broader concern about the erosion of empathy in the face of ongoing global strife.

Unlike previous traditions, Leo XIV omitted specific references to nations or conflicts in his message. Instead, he paid homage to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who delivered his final Easter Sunday address hours before passing away last year. Drawing from the Easter narrative of Christ’s resurrection, the pope noted that Jesus had remained “entirely nonviolent” despite suffering, a theme he wove throughout his sermon.

As bells echoed across the Vatican and the congregation applauded, Leo concluded his blessing by offering greetings in several languages, including Latin, Arabic, and Chinese. The pope also announced plans to return to the basilica on April 11 for a peace prayer vigil, a step aimed at reinforcing his commitment to global harmony.

In recent Holy Week addresses, the pontiff has repeatedly criticized the increasing apathy toward war and suffering. During Saturday night’s Easter vigil, he urged believers to resist being overwhelmed by the magnitude of global conflicts, advocating for active reconciliation efforts. His call to action extended to Donald Trump on Tuesday, where he made a rare direct appeal for the U.S. President to seek an “off-ramp” to resolve the ongoing Iran dispute.