Peace, not power , Pope Leo XIV uses first easter address to call for dialogue in a divided world

Vatican City — In a powerful appeal for peace and reconciliation, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged world leaders to abandon conflict and pursue dialogue, as he delivered his first Easter Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”) message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Addressing thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square and millions watching worldwide, the pontiff’s message centred on the enduring need for peace in a world he described as increasingly marked by violence, division and indifference.

“Let those who have weapons lay them down,” the pope said. “Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue.”

The address marked the first time Pope Leo XIV has celebrated Easter as head of the Roman Catholic Church, following his election last year after the death of Pope Francis. His words signalled continuity with his predecessor’s emphasis on peace, while also establishing a firm tone for his own papacy.

Throughout the homily and subsequent blessing, Leo returned repeatedly to what he described as a growing “globalisation of indifference”, warning that societies risk becoming desensitised to suffering and conflict.

“We are growing accustomed to violence,” he said. “Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people, indifferent to the hatred and division that conflicts sow.”

Although the pope did not refer to specific conflicts, his remarks come against the backdrop of mounting global tensions. In recent weeks, he has called on US President Donald Trump to find an “off ramp” to de escalate tensions with Iran, underscoring his preference for diplomacy over confrontation.

At the heart of the Easter message was the Christian belief in resurrection not only as a theological truth, but as a call to transformation in the present. Leo described Christ’s victory over death as a model of nonviolence and self giving love.

“The power with which Christ rose is entirely nonviolent,” he said, comparing it to a seed that grows quietly yet irresistibly. “This is the true strength that brings peace to humanity.”

The pope urged individuals and nations alike to reject domination and instead embrace cooperation and mutual understanding. True peace, he said, must begin within the human heart before it can shape the wider world.

He also announced a prayer vigil for peace to be held in St Peter’s Square on April 11, inviting believers to unite in what he called a collective plea for an end to war and suffering.

Earlier in his homily, Leo reflected on the challenges people face both internally and externally, from personal struggles and loneliness to injustice and exploitation on a global scale. Yet he framed Easter as a moment of renewed hope.

“Death has been conquered forever,” he declared. “It no longer has power over us.”

Closing his address, the pope extended Easter greetings in multiple languages, calling on the faithful to carry the message of hope and renewal into the world.

“May you bring the joy of Jesus, who is risen and present in our midst, to all you meet,” he said.

As bells rang out across the Vatican and crowds responded with applause, Leo’s message resonated as both a spiritual reflection and a political appeal a call, above all, for a fractured world to choose dialogue over division.

PS