Pope Leo XIV Urges Global Peace in First Easter Mass

Mon Apr 06 2026 13:13:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Pope Leo XIV calls for world leaders to abandon conflict and choose peace during his inaugural Easter Mass at St. Peter's Square, emphasizing the importance of nonviolence and reconciliation.

In a heartfelt address at his first Easter Mass, Pope Leo XIV implored global leaders to opt for peace rather than conflict. Speaking from the Vatican's central balcony, he urged those with the power to wage wars to choose nonviolence. The Pope, a critic of ongoing global conflicts, highlighted the need for reconciliation and paying tribute to the resilience demonstrated by Christ. His message resonated through a beautifully adorned St. Peter's Square, filled with spring blooms.

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, denouncing global conflicts and urging for de-escalation.

Pope Leo waved to the crowd before delivering his Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for to the city and the world. The square was decorated with bright spring blooms, featuring rows of daffodils and thousands of colorful flowers arranged for the occasion.

As bells rang out across the Vatican and the crowd applauded, Leo concluded his blessing by offering Easter greetings in various languages, including Latin, Arabic, and Chinese. He also announced a return to the basilica on 11 April for a prayer vigil for peace.

Leo has warned against the growing indifference to violence and urged those involved in conflicts to lay down their arms and work towards reconciliation. In his sermon during the Easter vigil, he emphasized the importance of not becoming numb to the suffering caused by war.

Pope Leo's Easter message did not specify conflicts but echoed his predecessor's calls for peace, remembering Pope Francis, who delivered his final message on Easter Sunday last year before his death.

This Easter Sunday, the pope highlighted the Easter story of Christ's resurrection, calling attention to Jesus' nonviolent example in the face of suffering. For Christians, Easter remains a pivotal date in the liturgical calendar, marking the resurrection of Christ and its significance in their faith.