Pope Leo Calls for Peace in First Easter Mass Amid Global Conflicts
Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, celebrated his inaugural Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, urging global peace and dialogue amidst ongoing conflicts. Departing from tradition, he did not list specific global issues during the Urbi et Orbi blessing but emphasized the Easter message of hope and transformation through love. The pope called for those with the power to wage wars to choose peace through dialogue rather than force. His message comes as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran enters its second month, and Russia continues its campaign in Ukraine. Pope Leo also announced a prayer vigil for peace scheduled for April 11. The Easter Mass was attended by approximately 50,000 people, with the pope addressing the crowd in multiple languages, reviving a practice that had lapsed under his predecessor.