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

Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Leaders to Embrace Peace in First Easter Address

On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands of attendees in St Peter’s Square during his inaugural Easter Mass as pontiff. Surrounded by white roses on the central balcony of Vatican City’s basilica, he emphasized the need for world leaders to prioritize peace over conflict. “Let those in positions of power abandon their pursuit of war,” he urged, “and seek harmony for a world weary from strife.” His message resonated with a crowd that gathered beneath the iconic square, where spring blooms adorned the space with vibrant hues.

“On this day of joy, we must reject violence and indifference to the suffering of countless lives,” the pope declared. “May the Lord grant his peace to a world ravaged by conflict, and may all who wield weapons lay them down.”

Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church, has been a strong advocate for de-escalation in global disputes. In recent weeks, he highlighted the growing apathy toward war, using Holy Week sermons to call for renewed commitment to reconciliation. This year’s Easter Mass marked a shift from previous traditions, as he refrained from naming specific nations or conflicts, focusing instead on universal themes.

Leo’s address drew parallels between the Easter story and contemporary challenges. He referenced Christ’s resurrection, three days after being crucified, as a testament to nonviolence in the face of suffering. The ceremony coincided with Pope Francis’s final Easter speech last year, which occurred shortly before his passing. As bells echoed through the Vatican and the crowd erupted in applause, Leo concluded his remarks with multilingual Easter greetings, including Latin, Arabic, and Chinese.

Following the Mass, the pope announced plans to return to the basilica on 11 April for a peace prayer vigil. His appeal for global unity extended to U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he directly addressed on Tuesday, urging the leader to pursue a resolution to the Iran conflict. “Find an off-ramp to end this war,” he said, underscoring his belief in the importance of diplomatic solutions.