Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural Easter blessing as pontiff on Sunday, advocating for global peace and cautioning against desensitization to the tragic loss of life in violent conflicts worldwide.

From the historic balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo bestowed the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing upon an audience that Vatican media estimated to exceed 50,000 gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

In his address, Pope Leo highlighted the pervasive suffering caused by wars and abuses, underscoring the necessity for hope and peace. He appealed to the global community to resist becoming numb to violence and the immense loss of life it entails.

“On this day of celebration, let us set aside all desires for conflict, domination, and power, and pray for the Lord’s peace to touch a world scarred by wars, hatred, and indifference, which often leaves us feeling helpless in the face of evil,” the pope urged.

Pope Leo XIV’s delivery of the Urbi et Orbi blessing, Latin for “to the city of Rome and to the world,” marked the conclusion of the Easter Mass he led in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday, April 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

He also reminded the congregation that “the power with which Christ rose is entirely nonviolent,” emphasizing the peaceful essence of the resurrection message.

“In the light of Easter, let us allow ourselves to be amazed by Christ,” he said. “Let us allow our hearts transformed by his immense love for us. Let those with weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace. Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue. Not through a desire to dominate others, but to encounter them.”

Faithful wait for Pope Leo XIV to deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing at the end of the Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Sunday, April 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Leo also invoked what he said were the final words that Pope Francis issued to the world from the same balcony one year ago, during which the late pontiff warned of a “globalization of indifference.”

“What a great thirst for death, for killing we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world,” Leo said, quoting Francis.

Pope Leo XIV addresses the faithful before delivering the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at the end of Easter Mass he presided over in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Sunday, April 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Leo concluded the blessing by wishing everyone a happy Easter in 10 different languages and singing the Regina Ceoli. 

Leo earlier held his first Easter Mass as pope, in which he called for the faithful to exercise hope against “the violence of war that kills and destroys,’’ adding that in the face of conflicts spreading around the world, “we need this song of hope today.”

Leo has repeatedly called for a halt in hostilities as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran enters its second month and Russia continues its violent campaign in Ukraine.

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