Pope Leo XIV Celebrates His First Easter as Leader with Appeals for Peace

Pope Leo XIV’s First Easter Mass

VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV marked his first Easter Mass as pontiff on Sunday, urging an end to violence and calling for peaceful resolutions to conflicts worldwide through dialogue. This year, he diverged from the customary practice of enumerating global hardships during his Urbi e Orbi blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica.

In both his sermon and benediction, Leo, the first American-born pope, conveyed a hopeful Easter message that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“Let our hearts be transformed by God’s immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who can incite war choose the path of peace! Peace shouldn’t come through force but through conversation!” the Pope implored.

As conflicts continue, particularly with the U.S. and Israel’s engagement in Iran and Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Leo noted a troubling indifference to the “deaths of thousands” and the destruction these conflicts bring to society and economies.

Without directly naming any wars, Leo referenced his predecessor, Pope Francis, who, in his last public appearance at the same loggia last Easter, lamented the prevalent “thirst for death and slaughter.”

Traditionally, the Urbi e Orbi blessing would include a mention of global issues; however, Leo did not follow this format this time despite having done so for his Christmas blessing. The reason for this shift remains unclear.

Earlier, while addressing around 50,000 attendees from an open-air altar in St. Peter’s Square, adorned with spring flowers, Leo emphasized maintaining hope in the face of challenges, noting that death is often linked to greed and war.

He announced a Vigil for Peace set for April 11 at the cathedral.

During his speech, Leo urged the faithful to give up desires for conflict and power, seeking peace in a world marked by hatred and despair.

In a break from recent tradition, he addressed the crowd in ten different languages, including Arabic, Chinese, and Latin, reinstating a practice that had been set aside by Pope Francis.

Before stepping back into the cathedral, Leo visibly greeted the gathering crowd, resonating with their enthusiasm.

This Holy Week, he also returned to the tradition of washing the feet of priests on Maundy Thursday, contrasting with Francis’s inclusive method of washing the feet of various community members.

Additionally, the 70-year-old pontiff became the first in decades to carry a light wooden cross through the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.

Due to recent conflicts, traditional ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher have faced restrictions, which have also impacted other religious observances, including Ramadan and Passover, with limited attendance enforced by authorities.

This has led to tensions between Israeli officials and Christian leaders, particularly after notable incidents like the prevention of two religious leaders from celebrating Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.