Thousands of believers gathered on Sunday in Saint Peter’s Square to listen to the first Easter message delivered by Pope Leo XIV in his capacity as sovereign pontiff. Surrounded by white roses, on the central balcony of the Vatican basilica, the pope appealed to “those who have the power to start wars” to choose peace.
“On this festive day, let us renounce any desire for conflict, domination, and power, and let us pray to God to grant peace to a world devastated by wars,” he said, according to BBC.
The first Pope originating from the USA has become a vocal critic of the war in Iran in recent months, and in recent public interventions, he condemned conflicts around the world and called for the de-escalation of situations.
Pope Leon greeted the crowd gathered in the square before pronouncing the blessing “Urbi et Orbi” – in Latin, “to the city and to the world”.
Saint Peter’s Square was adorned with spring flowers, rows of daffodils, and thousands of purple, red, and white arrangements specially prepared for the Easter Sunday service.
“We get used to violence, we resign ourselves and become indifferent, indifferent to the death of thousands of people,” said the Pope in his speech.
“Those who have weapons should lay them down. Those who have the power to start wars should choose peace.”
Unlike previous years, Leon did not explicitly mention any country or conflict in his message.
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