world
Pope Leo XIV Delivers First Easter Message Calling for Peace Amid Global Conflicts
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff on Sunday, urging hope against the violence of war and calling for dialogue to resolve global conflicts. He invoked Pope Francis's warnings against indifference to suffering and delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing to over 50,000 people in St. Peter's Square.
Apr 5, 7:15 AM·3m read3 sources
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff on Sunday from an open-air altar in St. Peter's Square. The square was adorned with white roses and spring perennials, symbolizing renewal. In his homily, Leo called for the faithful to exercise hope against the violence of war that kills and destroys, stating that conflicts spreading around the world necessitate this song of hope today.
Leo singled out those who wage war, abuse the weak, and prioritize profits. He implored the faithful to maintain hope in the face of death lurking in injustices, partisan selfishness, the oppression of the poor, and lack of attention to the vulnerable.
The pope highlighted violence, the wounds of the world, the cry of pain from abuses crushing the weakest, the idolatry of profit plundering resources, and the violence of war that kills and destroys.
During the Easter Mass, Leo quoted his predecessor, Pope Francis, warning against falling into indifference amid persistent injustice, evil, indifference, and cruelty. He noted that in the midst of darkness, something new always springs to life and produces fruit.
Leo has repeatedly called for a halt in hostilities as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran enters its second month and Russia continues its campaign in Ukraine.
Later, Leo delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to a crowd exceeding 50,000 in St. Peter’s Square, as described by Vatican media. He urged the world not to grow indifferent to the deaths of tens of thousands in violent conflicts.
Leo called for abandoning desires for conflict, domination, and power, imploring the Lord to grant peace to a world ravaged by wars and marked by hatred and indifference that fosters powerlessness against evil.
