Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Peace in Easter Message

Pope Leo XIV called for global leaders to choose peace and urged those with the power to unleash wars to lay down their weapons during his first Easter Mass as pontiff on April 5, 2026. Addressing thousands of worshippers in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, the first US-born pope delivered an Urbi et Orbi blessing, which translates to to the city and the world.

The address focused on the perceived global indifference to violence and the need for de-escalation in international conflicts. Pope Leo XIV warned that the world is growing accustomed to violence and resigning itself to the deaths of thousands of people.

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

Pope Leo XIV

Departure from Tradition and Theological Stance

In a departure from recent tradition, Pope Leo XIV did not explicitly name any specific country or conflict during his Easter message. However, he has established himself as a vocal critic of the Iran war and has used other recent public addresses to denounce global conflicts.

The pontiff linked his call for peace to the Easter story of Christ’s resurrection, stating that Jesus had been entirely nonviolent in the face of suffering. This theological framing served as a pushback against the divine justification of war.

The Easter remarks followed a Palm Sunday homily in which the pope stated that God rejected the prayers of those who wage war.

Ceremony and Commemoration

The event was held at the Vatican’s basilica, where the central balcony was framed by white roses. St. Peter’s Square was decorated with bright spring blooms, including daffodils and thousands of purple, red, and white flowers.

During the service, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis. Pope Francis had delivered his final address on Easter Sunday in 2025, hours before his death.

Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace.

Pope Leo XIV

For Christians, Easter marks the resurrection of Christ and is the most important date in the liturgical calendar.