Pope Leo calls for global leaders to choose peace in his first Easter Mass
Pope Leo XIV Urges World Leaders to Prioritize Peace in Easter Homily
On Sunday, St Peter’s Square hosted thousands of attendees eager to listen to Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Easter Mass address as pontiff. Surrounded by white roses on the basilica’s central balcony, the pope emphasized the need for global decision-makers to embrace peace over conflict. “Let us renounce all cravings for strife, control, and dominance, and seek the Lord’s peace for a world torn by war,” he proclaimed.
A Call to Abandon Violence
“We have grown desensitized to violence, accepting it as routine, and turned a blind eye to the loss of countless lives,” the pope stated. “Those in possession of weapons should lay them aside. Those with the authority to ignite wars must opt for harmony.”
The first US-born pope has emerged as a prominent voice against the Iran conflict, consistently advocating for reduced tensions in recent public remarks. During his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing—meaning “to the city and the world”—he greeted the crowd below with a wave before delivering his message.
Symbolism of Renewal
St Peter’s Square was adorned with vibrant spring flowers, including daffodils and a tapestry of purple, red, and white blooms for the Easter Mass. Departing from tradition, Leo omitted specific nations or disputes in his speech, focusing instead on universal themes. He honored his predecessor, Pope Francis, who concluded his Easter Sunday address the year prior shortly before his passing.
Resurrection as a Message of Nonviolence
Reflecting on Christ’s resurrection, the pope highlighted the divine example of unwavering nonviolence amid suffering. “Three days after being crucified, Jesus rose with complete peacefulness,” he said. For Catholics, Easter signifies the core belief in Christ’s rebirth, a cornerstone of their faith.
As bells echoed through the Vatican and the audience responded with applause, Leo concluded his homily by sharing Easter greetings in multiple languages, such as Latin, Arabic, and Chinese. He also revealed plans to return to the basilica on 11 April for a peace prayer vigil.
Recent Advocacy for Reconciliation
In the days leading up to Easter, the pope reiterated his stance against escalating global hostilities. During a Holy Week sermon, he challenged followers to remain engaged in resolving conflicts rather than being overwhelmed by their scale. Notably, he directly addressed Donald Trump on Tuesday, urging the US leader to identify a path to resolve the Iran dispute.
