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 before delivering his Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for to the city and the world. St. Peter's Square was decorated with bright spring blooms, with rows of daffodils and thousands of purple, red and white flowers arranged for the Easter Mass.
We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent, indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people, the pope stated. He emphasized, Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace.
In a break with recent tradition, Leo did not explicitly name any country or conflict during his message, but paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who gave his final address on Easter Sunday last year hours before his death. He reminded listeners of the Easter story of Christ's resurrection, highlighting Jesus's nonviolent approach to suffering.
Pope Leo also announced plans for a prayer vigil for peace on April 11. His recent addresses have increasingly warned against growing indifference to global conflicts and the suffering they cause.
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 before delivering his Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for to the city and the world. St. Peter's Square was decorated with bright spring blooms, with rows of daffodils and thousands of purple, red and white flowers arranged for the Easter Mass.
We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent, indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people, the pope stated. He emphasized, Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace.
In a break with recent tradition, Leo did not explicitly name any country or conflict during his message, but paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who gave his final address on Easter Sunday last year hours before his death. He reminded listeners of the Easter story of Christ's resurrection, highlighting Jesus's nonviolent approach to suffering.
Pope Leo also announced plans for a prayer vigil for peace on April 11. His recent addresses have increasingly warned against growing indifference to global conflicts and the suffering they cause.
