Pope Leo calls for global leaders to choose peace in his first Easter Mass
Pope Leo XIV Advocates Peace in First Easter Mass
On Sunday, St Peter’s Square drew a large crowd as Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural Easter Mass address. The papal balcony, adorned with white roses, became the backdrop for his message urging global leaders to prioritize harmony over discord. “Let us abandon our cravings for conflict, control, and confrontation, and ask the Almighty to bestow peace upon a world burdened by war,” he proclaimed, emphasizing the need for unity.
A Focus on Nonviolence and Reconciliation
Reflecting on the resurrection of Christ, the pontiff highlighted the central theme of Easter: the triumph of peace over suffering. “Jesus remained entirely nonviolent, even in the face of immense hardship,” he stated, drawing a parallel to the Easter narrative. This year’s Mass also featured vibrant floral arrangements, with daffodils and an array of purple, red, and white blooms enhancing the festive atmosphere.
In his address, Leo emphasized the growing apathy toward violence, urging people to confront the indifference that has become widespread. “We have grown numb to the loss of thousands, accepting conflict as routine,” he warned. He called on those in power to “lay down their weapons” and embrace peace as a choice, rather than a consequence of circumstances.
“Let those who have the authority to ignite wars embrace peace instead,” the pope said, his voice resonating through the square.
Unlike previous traditions, Leo did not specifically mention any nation or ongoing conflict in his speech. Instead, he honored his predecessor, Pope Francis, who delivered his final Easter message hours before his passing last year. The pope’s Easter vigil sermon, held on Saturday night, also urged believers to remain vigilant in their efforts to foster reconciliation amid global strife.
As the Mass concluded, the crowd joined in applause as bells echoed across the Vatican. Leo offered greetings in multiple languages, including Latin, Arabic, and Chinese, underscoring the universality of his message. He also announced plans to lead a peace prayer vigil at the basilica on 11 April, further cementing his commitment to conflict resolution.
A Voice for Peace in Global Affairs
Leo has consistently criticized international conflicts, particularly the war with Iran, in recent public addresses. His call for de-escalation has grown stronger as he has spoken during Holy Week, warning against the increasing desensitization to war and its toll on humanity. In a notable moment, he directly appealed to Donald Trump on Tuesday, seeking a path to end the Iran conflict.