Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Peace in Inaugural Easter Mass

Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural Easter Mass as Pontiff, issued a profound appeal for peace to global leaders, urging them to abandon conflict and embrace de-escalation. Speaking from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica to thousands of worshippers, he called upon "those who have the power to unleash wars" to select peace.

A Plea for Non-Violence and an End to Indifference

The first US-born Pope has consistently voiced strong criticism of the Iran war, utilising his recent addresses to denounce global conflicts. His Easter message highlighted a growing indifference to war and suffering, stating, "We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent, indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people." He implored, "Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace."

While refraining from explicitly naming specific conflicts, Pope Leo XIV's address resonated with his recent appeals, including a direct plea to US President Donald Trump to find an "off-ramp" to end the conflict with Iran. He also announced a forthcoming prayer vigil for peace on 11 April.

Echoes of a Predecessor and a Core Christian Message

In his address, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who delivered his final Easter address shortly before his death last year. Emphasising the core Christian message of Christ's resurrection, the Pontiff highlighted Jesus's "entirely nonviolent" response to suffering. As bells chimed across the Vatican, Pope Leo concluded his blessing, offering Easter greetings in multiple languages, including Latin, Arabic, and Chinese, reinforcing a message of universal peace and reconciliation.