Pope Leo XIV Presides Over First Easter Vigil at St. Peter's Basilica, Urges Global Peace

Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on Saturday night. The service commemorated Jesus Christ's resurrection following his crucifixion, Christianity's most significant celebration. Leo carried a tall lit candle through the darkened basilica, intoning 'The light of Christ who rises in glory' before candle bearers spread light to the congregation.

In his homily, Leo reflected on sin as a heavy barrier separating humanity from God, likening it to the stone sealing Jesus' tomb, which was overturned on Easter morning. He identified modern 'stones' including mistrust, fear, selfishness, resentment, war, injustice, and national isolation.

Leo addressed contemporary conflicts, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing wars. The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran entered its second month, while Russia's war in Ukraine continued. On Palm Sunday, speaking to tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square, Leo condemned war, stating God does not listen to prayers from those with 'hands full of blood' and that Jesus 'rejects war' and cannot justify it.

He lamented that Christians in the Middle East might not fully observe Easter due to the 'atrocious' conflict, though he did not name specific leaders.

The White House responded to Leo's Palm Sunday remarks on Monday. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the Trump administration's use of prayer in military operations, noting the U.S. was founded on Judeo-Christian values 250 years ago. She added that presidents and military leaders have long invoked prayer during wartime, and service members appreciate support from the commander in chief.

During the vigil, Leo baptized 10 adults from around the world, following tradition. The service included reflections on nine Scripture passages from creation to the Exodus and St. Paul's writings on the Resurrection. Leo described a unified theme in salvation history: God counters sin's division with love that unites and restores life.

The vigil capped Holy Week for the new pontiff. On Good Friday, Leo carried the cross for all 14 Stations of the Cross, the first pope to do so in decades. On Holy Thursday, he washed the feet of 12 priests, restoring a tradition modified by his predecessor Pope Francis, who had included laypeople and non-Christians.

On Sunday morning, Leo celebrated an open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square. He then delivered the traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' address, meaning 'to the city and the world,' summarizing global concerns. The address follows the vigil's themes of peace and redemption amid international conflicts.