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

A crowd of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday to witness Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Easter Mass address as the head of the Catholic Church. Standing beneath vibrant floral arrangements, including daffodils and a tapestry of purple, red, and white blooms, the pontiff emphasized the need for global leaders to prioritize harmony over discord.

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

The first U.S.-born pope has increasingly highlighted his opposition to the Iran war, using public speeches to advocate for de-escalation in global conflicts. During his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, which translates to “to the city and the world,” he encouraged the audience to embrace reconciliation over resentment.

Unlike previous traditions, Pope Leo refrained from naming specific nations or disputes in his message, instead focusing on the broader theme of human suffering. He paid homage to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who delivered his final Easter address just hours before passing away last year.

“Jesus was entirely nonviolent, even in the face of immense suffering,” the pope reflected, drawing parallels between the resurrection narrative and modern struggles. “We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent to the deaths of thousands.”

As the Vatican bells echoed through the square, Pope Leo concluded with multilingual Easter greetings, spanning Latin, Arabic, and Chinese. He also revealed plans to host a peace prayer vigil at the basilica on April 11, reinforcing his commitment to global unity.

Recently, the pontiff has consistently criticized the growing apathy toward war, particularly during Holy Week sermons. His message urged followers to remain engaged and strive for reconciliation amid escalating tensions. On Tuesday, he made a notable appeal to Donald Trump, asking the U.S. president to seek a resolution to the conflict with Iran.