Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in First Easter Message Amid Global Conflicts

Diplomacy

Vatican City

In his first Easter Urbi et Orbi message, Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders to choose peace through dialogue and denounced the growing indifference toward the violence of ongoing global conflicts.

Key points

  • The Pope announced a vigil of prayer for peace to be held on April 11 at St. Peter's Square in Rome.
  • Easter celebrations in Jerusalem were conducted under strict security and at reduced capacity due to the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Iran.
  • Pope Leo XIV, who assumed the papacy in May 2025, revived the tradition of greeting the faithful in ten different languages.
  • The pontiff's message addressed the normalization of violence and the resulting economic and social consequences of war.

Why it matters

The Pope's appeal highlights the humanitarian impact of current geopolitical tensions and the challenges faced by religious communities in conflict zones during major holy days.

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