Pope Leo Delivers Easter Message Calling for End to Global Conflicts

Pope Leo delivered his annual Easter Sunday message, known as the 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing, from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The address reached thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square, which was decorated with brightly colored flowers for the holiday. In the message, the pope greeted the crowd in ten languages, including Latin, Arabic, and Chinese.

The pope called on global leaders to cease ongoing conflicts and to forgo any pursuit of power, conquest, or domination. He stated that people are growing accustomed to violence, resigning themselves to it, and becoming indifferent. 'Let those who have weapons lay them down!' the pope said. 'Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace!' he added.

Pope Leo did not reference specific conflicts in the message, which The Independent described as unusually brief and direct. He linked the Easter story to nonviolence, noting that Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion without resisting his execution.

'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 urged.

The pope, the first from the United States, has been a vocal critic of the Iran war. In recent weeks, he has increased his criticism of global violent conflicts. On Tuesday, he made a direct appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump to find an 'off-ramp' to end the Iran war.

During the Easter vigil sermon on Saturday night, Pope Leo urged people not to become numbed by the scale of conflicts worldwide but to work toward peace. The message occurs amid ongoing wars that affect millions, including civilians in regions such as the Middle East.

Stakeholders, including international leaders and affected populations, face continued instability without diplomatic resolutions.