VATICAN CITY – In a heartfelt appeal for peace during his inaugural Easter Mass, Pope Leo urged the faithful to embrace hope amidst the turmoil of global conflicts, particularly pointing to the “violence of war that kills and destroys.” He emphasized the necessity of hope in today’s world, where conflict and suffering seem to grow unchecked.

With the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran entering its second month and Russia’s relentless campaign in Ukraine, the Pope’s message is both timely and poignant. Throughout his papacy, Leo has consistently advocated for the cessation of hostilities. During his Easter sermon, he directed his message towards those who perpetuate war, exploit the vulnerable, and elevate profit above human welfare.

From a beautifully adorned open-air altar in St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by white roses and vibrant spring blooms, Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the United States, delivered his message of hope. The floral display resonated deeply with the Easter theme of renewal and new beginnings, reinforcing his call for peace and compassion.

The pontiff urged believers to maintain their hope despite the pervasive presence of death in various forms—be it through injustice, partisan self-interest, or the neglect of the impoverished and vulnerable. He highlighted the destructive nature of violence and the cries of pain that echo from every corner of the globe due to abuses, the relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of the planet, and the ongoing devastation of wars.

Pope Leo invoked the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, cautioning against the perils of indifference in the face of relentless injustice and cruelty. He reminded the faithful that even amidst the darkest times, new life emerges, and eventually, it bears fruit, offering a beacon of hope and renewal.

He quoted his predecessor Pope Francis in warning against falling into indifference in the face of “persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty,” because “it is also true that in the midst of darkness, something new always springs to life and sooner or later produces fruit.”

He will later deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message — Latin for “to the city and the world.’’

Christians in the Holy Land were marking a subdued Easter

Traditional ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, revered by Christians as the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, were scaled back under an agreement with Israeli police. Authorities have put limits on the sizes of public gatherings due to ongoing missile attacks.

The restrictions also dampened the recent Muslim holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr holiday, as well as the current weeklong Jewish festival of Passover. On Sunday, the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall — normally attended by tens of thousands — was limited to just 50 people.

The restrictions have strained relations between Israeli authorities and Christian leaders. Police last week prevented two of the church’s top religious leaders, including Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from celebrating Palm Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

On Tuesday, the pope had expressed hope that the war could be finished before Easter.

____

Barry reported from Milan. Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed.