Pope Leo calls for global leaders to choose peace in his first Easter Mass
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Easter Mass address as pontiff on Sunday in St Peter's Square. Framed by white roses, the pope called on "those who have the power to unleash wars" to choose peace. He said, "On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars."
Thousands of worshippers flocked to St Peter's Square to hear the address. The square was decorated with bright spring blooms, with rows of daffodils and thousands of purple, red and white flowers. Pope Leo waved to the crowd before delivering his "Urbi et Orbi" blessing. He said, "We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent, indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people," and "Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace." He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who gave his final address on Easter Sunday last year hours before his death. Pope Leo concluded his blessing by offering Easter greetings in several languages, including Latin, Arabic and Chinese.
Pope Leo announced that he would return to the basilica on April 11 to lead a prayer vigil for peace.
Quick Summary
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Easter Mass address at St Peter's Square, calling on global leaders. The US-born pope, a vocal critic of the Iran war, used the opportunity to address ongoing conflicts- but what did he say?
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