VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV called on global leaders to end wars and renounce ambitions of conquest and domination in his Easter Sunday message, urging dialogue and peace in a world “ravaged by conflicts”.
Speaking from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff delivered his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing, which was notably brief and direct.
“Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace,” Leo said.
He stressed that peace must come “through dialogue” and not by force or domination.
Call for peace and dialogue
In his message, Leo urged leaders to abandon conflict and seek reconciliation.
“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 pope did not name specific conflicts.
He warned that societies risk becoming desensitised to violence.
People, he said, are “growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent”.
Leo echoed a phrase associated with the late Pope Francis, referring to the “globalisation of indifference”.
Easter message of nonviolence
In his Easter homily earlier in the day, the pontiff spoke of hope amid suffering caused by war, climate change and injustice.
“The message of Easter responds to the cry of pain that rises from every corner,” he said, citing abuses against the vulnerable, environmental exploitation and the destruction caused by conflict.
Leo’s first Easter as pope comes against the backdrop of ongoing global tensions.
During Holy Week, he presided over several key events, including the Good Friday “Way of the Cross” procession at Colosseum, where prayers highlighted the plight of migrant children and warned leaders they would be judged for their actions.
On Sunday, thousands gathered in a sunlit St. Peter’s Square, decorated with flowers for the celebration.
Leo concluded his address by offering Easter greetings in ten languages, including Latin, Arabic and Chinese, before reciting the Regina Coeli prayer.
He also announced a special prayer vigil for peace to be held at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 11.
A similar vigil organised by Pope Francis in 2013 for Syria drew around 100,000 people.
“Easter gives us hope,” Leo said in his homily. “In the midst of darkness something new always springs to life.”
