Pope Leo calls for global peace in Easter Mass speech

In his first Easter message, Pope Leo XIV called on global leaders to "lay down" arms.

Published: April 5, 2026 11:27am

In his Easter Mass address on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV spoke about the need for world peace. 

"On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars," the pope said, the BBC reported

The pope asked "those who have weapons" to "lay them down." He also warned that the world was becoming "indifferent" to violence. He did not mention any specific country. 

An estimated 50,000 people were in the audience in the Roman square to hear the Urbi et Orbi Easter Mass sermon, according to UPI

 

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