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

Pope Leo XIV’s First Easter Mass: A Call for Peace

A large crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to witness Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Easter Mass address. Framed by white roses on the central balcony of the Vatican’s basilica, the pontiff urged global leaders to embrace peace. “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 in a

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As the first U.S.-born pope, Leo has increasingly criticized the Iran war and other global conflicts. His recent public speeches have emphasized the need for de-escalation and reconciliation. During the mass, he invoked the Easter story, highlighting Christ’s nonviolent resurrection three days after being crucified. “Jesus was entirely nonviolent in the face of suffering,” he noted, drawing a parallel to modern struggles.

St. Peter’s Square was adorned with spring blooms, featuring rows of daffodils and a vibrant array of purple, red, and white flowers. The Easter Mass coincided with a break from tradition, as Leo did not explicitly name any country or conflict. Instead, he honored his predecessor, Pope Francis, who delivered his last Easter address hours before passing away last year.

Leo concluded his blessing with multilingual Easter greetings, including Latin, Arabic, and Chinese. As bells rang through the Vatican, the crowd erupted in applause. The pope also announced plans to return to the basilica on 11 April for a peace prayer vigil. His recent Holy Week sermons have consistently addressed growing indifference to war and suffering, urging believers to take action.

During Saturday night’s Easter vigil, Leo emphasized the importance of reconciliation over resignation. “We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent to the deaths of thousands,” he warned. He made a rare direct appeal to Donald Trump on Tuesday, encouraging the U.S. President to seek an “off-ramp” to end the Iran conflict.