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

Pope Leo XIV Urges Leaders to Embrace Peace in First Easter Sermon

On Sunday, St Peter’s Square welcomed a large gathering of faithful as Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural Easter Mass address. The central balcony of Vatican basilica was adorned with white roses, providing a serene backdrop for his message. Highlighting the theme of global harmony, the pope implored leaders with the capacity to ignite conflicts to prioritize peace.

“On this day of joy, let us release our yearning for strife, control, and dominance, and seek the Lord’s peace for a world scarred by war,” he declared.

As the first pope born in the United States, Leo XIV has emerged as a prominent voice against the Iran conflict and has consistently advocated for reducing tensions worldwide. Before his blessing, he extended the “Urbi et Orbi” greeting—translating to “to the city and the world”—to the crowd below.

The square was embellished with vibrant spring flowers, featuring rows of daffodils and a mix of purple, red, and white blossoms. Reflecting on the Easter narrative of Christ’s resurrection, Leo XIV emphasized Jesus’ unwavering nonviolence amid suffering. “We have grown too comfortable with violence, accepting it as routine, and become indifferent to the loss of countless lives,” he added.

Leo XIV’s message diverged from recent papal traditions by omitting specific country or conflict references. He paid homage to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who concluded his Easter Sunday address last year just hours before his passing. The pope’s focus on reconciliation during Holy Week addresses has grown stronger, urging followers to actively engage in resolving global disputes.

Later, he announced plans to return to the basilica on 11 April for a peace prayer vigil. During Saturday night’s Easter vigil, Leo XIV called on believers to resist being desensitized by the magnitude of global conflicts and to pursue unity with purpose. Notably, he made a direct appeal to Donald Trump on Tuesday, requesting the US leader to identify a path to resolve the Iran standoff.