Pope Leo XIV celebrates Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican
By Our Correspondent
From St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV used his first Easter Urbi et Orbi message to call on world leaders to lay down their weapons and embrace peace through dialogue rather than force.
“Let those who have weapons lay them down,” he said, urging leaders to pursue unity, not domination. He described Christ’s resurrection as a model of nonviolent strength that promotes respect, cooperation, and the common good.
Unlike previous Easter messages, the pope avoided naming specific conflicts, focusing instead on a broader appeal to end violence and global division.
He warned against what he called a “globalization of indifference,” where people grow used to suffering and war.
The pope also announced a global prayer vigil for peace at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 11.
Reflecting on Easter’s message, he said hope remains stronger than death, despite the injustices, conflicts, and hardships facing the world today.
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Easter, Pope Leo XIV, Vatican, World Peace, Christianity, Religion, Global Conflicts, Urbi et Orbi, St Peter’s Square, Catholic Church
