Pope Leo XIV's Easter Appeal: Call for Global Peace

Sun Apr 05 2026 17:00:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In his first Easter Mass, Pope Leo XIV gathered thousands in St. Peter's Square, delivering a powerful message urging global leaders to prioritize peace over conflict.

During his inaugural Easter Mass, Pope Leo XIV called on those in power to choose peace and abandon desires for war. His address reflected on the global conflicts and emphasized the need for reconciliation, as he paid tribute to his predecessor and reinforced the message of nonviolence exemplified by the Easter story.

Thousands of worshippers flocked to St Peter's Square on Sunday to hear Pope Leo XIV deliver his first Easter Mass address as pontiff.

Framed by white roses on the central balcony of the Vatican's basilica, the pope called on those who have the power to unleash wars to choose peace.

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 said.

The first US-born pope has become a vocal critic of the Iran war, and has used recent public addresses to denounce global conflicts and urge de-escalation.

Pope Leo waved to the crowd gathered in the square below before delivering his Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for to the city and the world.

He highlighted the importance of Jesus' nonviolent example amid suffering, urging those with weapons to lay them down. While he did not name specific conflicts, he condemned the growing indifference to violence.

Amid vibrant spring decorations in St Peter's Square, Pope Leo concluded with blessings in multiple languages and announced a prayer vigil for peace scheduled on April 11.