Pope Leo urges those who ‘unleash wars’ to choose peace in his first Easter message
CNN • • world
Key Points:
- Pope Leo XIV, in his first Easter Sunday message as head of the Catholic Church, urged those with power to choose peace through dialogue rather than conflict or domination, emphasizing the need to abandon desires for war and violence.
- Speaking from St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope called for disarmament and peaceful encounters, echoing the late Pope Francis’ concern about growing global indifference to violence and suffering.
- Leo announced a special prayer vigil for peace on April 11 at St. Peter’s Basilica, reminiscent of Pope Francis’ 2013 vigil for Syria, aiming to rally global attention against war.
- In his Easter homily, Pope Leo highlighted hope amid ongoing global crises such as war, climate change, and injustice, stressing that Easter symbolizes new life and the possibility of renewal even in dark times.
- The Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square drew thousands, with the pope delivering blessings in multiple languages and reflecting on the need for compassion and accountability among world leaders.
