Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Peace in First Easter Message
In his inaugural Easter address, Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders to choose dialogue over conflict and announced a prayer vigil for peace.
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Easter Sunday message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, emphasizing the need for global peace and dialogue. He called on those with the power to initiate wars to choose peace through dialogue rather than force. The pontiff announced a special prayer vigil for peace to be held in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, April 11. Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to hear his message, with some holding signs expressing support for the Pope’s guidance. In his homily, Pope Leo highlighted the transformative power of Easter, urging the faithful to retain hope amid global conflicts and suffering. He condemned societal indifference to violence and the exploitation of the vulnerable, calling for a collective effort to overcome these challenges. The Pope concluded the celebration by extending Easter greetings in multiple languages and imparting the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing.