Pope Leo calls for global leaders to choose peace in his first Easter Mass
Pope Leo XIV Advocates Peace in Inaugural Easter Mass Address
On Sunday, a large crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square to listen to Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Easter Mass speech. The pontiff, who is the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, stood before the basilica’s central balcony, surrounded by white roses, and urged world leaders to prioritize harmony over hostility. His message emphasized the importance of choosing peace over conflict, calling on those in power to embrace reconciliation.
A Call for Global Reconciliation
In his homily, Pope Leo XIV addressed the ongoing tensions that have shaped the world, urging a shift away from violence. “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 declared. The speech highlighted a growing indifference to war, with the pope stating that people have become “accustomed to violence” and “resigning ourselves to it.”
“Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace.”
Leo’s Easter Mass also featured a notable departure from tradition, as he did not explicitly name any specific country or conflict. This contrasted with his recent public stances, where he has directly criticized the Iran war and called for de-escalation in global disputes. His focus on peace aligns with his broader campaign to address the apathy surrounding war and suffering.
Easter’s Spiritual Significance
For Christians, Easter represents the pinnacle of the liturgical year, commemorating Christ’s resurrection—a cornerstone of their faith. During the Mass, the Vatican’s bells echoed through the square, while the crowd erupted in applause. The pope concluded his address by offering Easter greetings in several languages, including Latin, Arabic, and Chinese.
His remarks drew parallels to the Easter story, referencing Jesus’ nonviolent response to suffering. “Three days after being crucified, Christ rose triumphantly,” Leo said. “In his resurrection, we see the ultimate victory over violence and despair.” This theme resonated throughout his message, framing peace as a divine imperative.
Future Steps for Peace
Pope Leo XIV has continued to champion global unity, with his recent Holy Week addresses warning against complacency in the face of war. He announced plans to return to the basilica on 11 April for a special peace prayer vigil. In a rare moment, he directly addressed Donald Trump on Tuesday, urging the U.S. president to seek an “off-ramp” to end the Iran conflict.
