VATICAN CITY (AP) – Pope Leo XIV celebrated his inaugural Easter Mass as pontiff on April 5, 2026, with a poignant message urging the world to abandon arms and pursue peace through dialogue instead of conflict. In a notable departure from tradition, he avoided naming specific global conflicts in his Urbi et Orbi blessing from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, a practice customary in previous blessings.
As the first U.S.-born pope, Leo emphasized the message of hope inherent in Easter, symbolizing the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. He passionately called for transformations in the hearts of people, urging those who wield weapons to lay them down and those capable of igniting wars to choose peace. “Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!” he implored, reflecting a renewed approach to addressing global strife.
Citing the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict regarding Iran and the persistent violence in Ukraine as backdrop, Leo expressed concern over the growing indifference to the suffering caused by wars, highlighting the deaths of thousands and the economic and social ramifications of such conflicts. Quoting his predecessor, Pope Francis, who spoke of a “great thirst for death” during his final public address, Leo sought to amplify the urgency for peace.
Historically, the Urbi et Orbi blessing, which translates to “to the city and to the world,” has included a litany of global issues. However, Leo's decision to forgo this tradition during Easter, a shift he adhered to in his Christmas blessing, has raised questions regarding his approach to global affairs.
Delivering his address to a crowd of around 50,000 gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope’s words were underscored by a floral display of white roses and spring flowers, resonating with his message of hope amid adversity. In his homily, he urged the faithful to maintain hope in the face of various forms of suffering, including abuses, environmental exploitation, and war-related violence.
In an announcement aimed at fostering global peace, Leo called for a prayer vigil scheduled for April 11 in the basilica. He also revived the tradition of greeting the international community in ten languages, a practice overlooked by Pope Francis, thus inviting wider participation in his message.
In a series of symbolic gestures, Leo also restored the tradition of washing the feet of priests during Holy Thursday services. He became the first pope in decades to carry the light wooden cross for all 14 stations during the Way of the Cross on Good Friday, marking a return to more traditional elements of the papacy.
As Christians worldwide observed a subdued Easter, due to ongoing tensions and conflict, ceremonies in Jerusalem faced restrictions under agreements with Israeli police in response to missile threats. These limitations dampened celebrations across multiple religious communities, with significant public gatherings limited to mere groups of 50.
In Gaza, the Catholic community celebrated its first Easter since a recent ceasefire, marking a welcome return to normalcy after years of hardship. Meanwhile, Armenian Christians in Iran sought to maintain traditions amidst the ongoing war, gathering for Easter celebrations and exchanging festive greetings as a show of resilience.
Overall, Pope Leo XIV’s Easter address and the accompanying ceremonial shifts indicate a conscious effort to redefine papal communication and engagement with pressing global issues while invoking a spirit of hope and renewal among the faithful.
