Pope Leo celebrated his first Easter as pontiff, leading Catholics in a vigil Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and delivering a message of peace. He urged the faithful not to be numbed by global conflicts, including the US-Israeli war on Iran and Russia’s campaign in Ukraine, but to actively work for harmony “everywhere and always.”
In his homily and subsequent “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, the pope condemned the violence of war, those who abuse the weak, and the prioritization of profits. He spoke of a world “ravaged by wars” and marked by hatred and indifference, calling on world leaders to choose peace over conflict.
The pontiff notably broke from tradition by not specifically naming current conflicts in his blessing. He previously stated God rejects the prayers of those who wage war or justify violence with religious claims, and has been an outspoken critic of the war in Iran.
Pope Leo’s Easter message emphasized hope in the face of evil and a commitment to bringing peace to a troubled world.