Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff on Sunday with a forceful condemnation of “the violence of war that kills and destroys.” Addressing thousands of worshippers in St. Peter’s Square, the leader of the Catholic Church urged the faithful to hold onto hope despite the spread of global conflict.
The Vatican ceremony took place as the war between the U.S.-backed Israeli forces and Iran enters its second month. Meanwhile, Russia’s ongoing military campaign in Ukraine continues to fuel humanitarian crises. Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, explicitly criticized those who wage war, exploit the vulnerable, and prioritize financial gain over human life.
“We see it in violence, in the wounds of the world, in the cry of pain that rises from every corner because of the abuses that crush the weakest among us,” the Pope said. He specifically pointed to the “idolatry of profit” that he argued leads to the plundering of the earth’s natural resources.
A call for hope in times of crisis
St. Peter’s Square was decorated with white roses and spring perennials, a visual contrast to the somber nature of the Pope’s message regarding global instability. Throughout the homily, Leo warned against the dangers of indifference toward those suffering from systemic injustice and cruelty.
He cited his predecessor, Pope Francis, to remind the congregation that hope can persist even in dark times. “It is also true that in the midst of darkness, something new always springs to life and sooner or later produces fruit,” Leo stated during the service.
The pontiff is scheduled to deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message later today. The address, which translates to “to the city and the world,” is expected to further address current geopolitical flashpoints.
The global atmosphere surrounding this year’s Easter celebrations remains tense. In Jerusalem, ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre were scaled back significantly following an agreement with Israeli police. Authorities restricted public gatherings due to the ongoing threat of missile attacks in the region.
These security measures have impacted religious observances for months. The recent Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Eid al-Fitr holiday, and the current Jewish festival of Passover have all seen similar curtailments as the region grapples with the impact of the ongoing conflict.
