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, St Peter’s Square was filled with thousands of attendees as Pope Leo XIV addressed them during his inaugural Easter Mass. The basilica’s central balcony, adorned with white roses, served as the backdrop for his plea to world leaders to prioritize harmony over conflict.
Message of Nonviolence
“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. His remarks emphasized the need for leaders to embrace reconciliation and abandon the pursuit of war.
Easter Vigil Highlights
The square was transformed with spring blooms, featuring rows of daffodils and a vibrant display of purple, red, and white flowers. As the bells echoed through the Vatican, Leo concluded his blessing by extending greetings in Latin, Arabic, and Chinese, underscoring the global reach of the event.
Global Conflict Criticism
As the first U.S.-born pope, Leo has consistently opposed the Iran war and highlighted the dangers of escalating global tensions. In recent speeches, he has urged leaders to take steps toward de-escalation, focusing on the human cost of ongoing strife.
Christ’s Resurrection as Inspiration
Leo drew parallels between the Easter story and the current state of the world, noting that Christ’s resurrection symbolizes hope amid suffering. “Jesus was entirely nonviolent in the face of pain,” he said, framing the event as a call to mirror that resolve in modern conflicts.
Unnamed Challenges
Unlike past traditions, Leo’s message this year avoided specific references to countries or conflicts. He honored his predecessor, Pope Francis, who delivered his final Easter address hours before his passing last year. The pope’s tone was universal, appealing to all who wield the power to ignite war.
Direct Appeal to Trump
During a Holy Week address, Leo made a rare direct appeal to Donald Trump, urging the U.S. president to seek an “off-ramp” to the Iran conflict. This sentiment was echoed in his Easter Mass, where he reiterated the urgency of resolving disputes through dialogue.
Peace Vigil Announcement
Leo also announced plans to return to the basilica on 11 April for a peace prayer vigil, signaling his ongoing commitment to addressing global unrest. His message reinforced the idea that believers should remain actively engaged in efforts to heal divisions, rather than growing numb to violence.
