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

Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Leaders to Prioritize Peace in Easter Address

On Easter Sunday, a large number of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square to witness Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Easter Mass speech as pontiff. Positioned beneath the grand arches of the Vatican basilica, the pope emphasized the importance of peace, addressing those in positions of authority who wield the power to ignite conflict.

The square was adorned with vibrant spring flowers, including rows of daffodils and a dazzling array of purple, red, and white blossoms. As the bells of the Vatican echoed through the air, the pope’s message resonated with calls for reconciliation. “Let us release our longing for strife and power, and seek divine peace for a world marked by war,” he proclaimed.

“We have grown complacent with violence, accepting it as routine, and losing sight of the countless lives it claims,” he stated. “To those entrusted with weapons, I urge them to lay them aside. To those capable of launching wars, I implore them to embrace peace.”

Unlike previous traditions, Pope Leo chose not to name specific nations or conflicts in his address. He paid homage to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who delivered his last Easter message hours before passing away last year. Drawing from the story of Christ’s resurrection, he highlighted the nonviolent nature of Jesus during his crucifixion, framing it as a model for modern leaders.

For Catholics, Easter represents the pinnacle of the liturgical year, symbolizing the triumph of life over death. As the crowd cheered in response to his blessings, the pope concluded with multilingual greetings, including Latin, Arabic, and Chinese. He also revealed plans to host a peace prayer vigil at the basilica on April 11.

Leo has increasingly spoken out against ongoing global conflicts, using Holy Week sermons to critique the rising apathy toward war and suffering. During the Easter vigil on Saturday night, he challenged believers to remain engaged in efforts for harmony rather than being overwhelmed by the scale of violence. In a notable moment, he directly addressed Donald Trump, encouraging the U.S. leader to seek a resolution in the Iran dispute.