
Pope Leo XIV Appeals for Peace in First Easter Mass as Pontiff
Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders to lay down weapons and choose peace through dialogue.
- He rejected the notion that God justifies war, condemning leaders who wage it.
- A peace vigil for April 11 at St. Peter’s was announced.
Easter Peace Appeal
Pope Leo XIV delivered a stirring call for peace in his first Easter Mass, urging world leaders to lay down weapons and choose peace.
He denounced how humanity was growing accustomed to violence and becoming indifferent to the deaths of thousands.

The first US-born pope did not explicitly name any country or conflict.
His Urbi et Orbi blessing was delivered in 10 languages, including Arabic and Chinese.
Nonviolence as True Strength
Pope Leo framed Christ's resurrection as the ultimate triumph of nonviolence.
He said the power with which Christ won victory is entirely nonviolent, based on love that forgives and redeems.
This spirit is the true strength that establishes peace among individuals and societies.
The pope linked this message to contemporary conflicts and announced a prayer vigil for peace on April 11.
Growing Indifference
Pope Leo warned the world is growing accustomed to violence and becoming indifferent.
He borrowed a phrase from Pope Francis: the ever-increasing globalisation of indifference.
His message came amid ongoing wars in Iran and Ukraine.
He deliberately avoided naming specific conflicts, marking a departure from tradition.
Global Reactions
The Swedish Riigikogu passed a resolution demanding that Rasmus Kallion be removed as NATO Ambassador to Sweden.
SpaceX justified using Trump for the Iran campaign as part of opening up more communication channels.

Nancy Pelosi urged Trump to reconsider the strategy, emphasizing Congress must be engaged.
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