Pope Leo celebrated his inaugural Easter Mass as pontiff on Sunday, emphasizing that as violence erupts globally, “Today we need this song of hope,” urging people to cling to hope amidst the “killing and destructive violence of war.”
He has consistently called for an end to hostilities as the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran approaches its second month, while Russia continues its actions in Ukraine.
During his Easter message, the Pope pointed fingers at those who instigate war, exploit the vulnerable, and prioritize profit over well-being.
Leo, notable for being the first American-born pope, spoke to the crowd from an open-air altar in St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by white roses, as vibrant spring flowers adorned the steps leading up to where the faithful had gathered, symbolizing his hopeful message.
The Pope encouraged the congregation to keep hope alive, even in the face of death, which he described as lurking in “injustice, selfish partisan agendas, the oppression of the underprivileged, and the lack of care for the most vulnerable.”
“We see it in the violence, in the injuries of the world, in the abuses that weigh down the most fragile among us, in the greed that exploits the earth’s resources, and in the horrifying violence of war that brings suffering, echoed by cries from everywhere,” he stated.
Referencing his predecessor, Pope Francis, he cautioned against becoming apathetic in response to “constant injustice, evil, indifference, and brutality,” suggesting that, despite the darkness, “something new always emerges and eventually bears fruit.”
Later, he is expected to give the traditional “Urbi e Orbi” message (Latin for “To the City and the World”).
Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square as Pope Leo XIV led Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV blessed attendees with a bouquet during the Easter Mass outside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Christians in the Holy Land celebrated a peaceful Easter
Traditional observances at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, regarded by Christians as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, were scaled back due to an agreement with Israeli police.
Amid ongoing missile attacks, authorities imposed limits on public gatherings.
These restrictions also affected recent celebrations for the Islamic holy months of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, and now impact the Jewish festival of Passover, which lasts a week.
A blessing by a Jewish priest at the Western Wall, which usually attracts tens of thousands, was restricted to a mere 50 participants.
The limitations have strained relations between Israeli authorities and Christian leaders.
Last week, police blocked two senior religious leaders, including Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from holding Palm Sunday services at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
On Tuesday, the Pope expressed his hope for an end to the war prior to Easter.
