In first Easter address, Pope Leo urges world to reject war and violence

Pontiff delivers anti-war appeal from Vatican, urging leaders to choose dialogue

PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO

Pope Leo XIV leads the Easter Vigil inside St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Saturday, April 4, 2026 (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

VATICAN CITY: In his first Easter address, Pope Leo warned that the world risks becoming “accustomed to violence,” delivering a stark message from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

Addressing tens of thousands gathered in Vatican City, the American-born pontiff used his Urbi et Orbi blessing to call on humanity to “abandon every desire for conflict, domination and power,” cautioning against indifference to human suffering.

Pope Leo says ‘let those who have weapons lay them down’

In a direct appeal to world leaders, Pope Leo urged restraint and peace over military escalation.

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

He warned that growing acceptance of violence and division risks normalising the deaths of thousands in ongoing global conflicts.

This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows aircraft on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) that are operating in support of the war in Iran, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (U.S. Navy via AP) — This image provided by US Central Command shows aircraft on the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) that are operating in support of the war in Iran, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (U.S. Navy via AP)

Subtle message to Washington amid Iran tensions

The pope’s remarks come amid escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran, with Pope Leo recently addressing Donald Trump directly, urging de-escalation.

Speaking earlier this week, he expressed hope that Washington would seek “an off-ramp” to reduce violence, marking one of his rare interventions touching on US policy.

Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Pope Leo has largely avoided domestic political commentary but has consistently echoed the themes of his predecessor, Pope Francis.

During the Easter address, he quoted one of Francis’ final remarks lamenting the global “thirst for death” seen in modern conflicts, reinforcing continuity in the Vatican’s anti-war stance.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to members of the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to members of the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Contrasting rhetoric from US defence leadership

The pontiff’s message stood in sharp contrast to recent remarks by Pete Hegseth, who invoked divine support for US military action during a Pentagon prayer service.

Religious scholars warned against framing war in spiritual terms, with experts cautioning that such rhetoric risks giving moral justification to violence, a position Pope Leo has repeatedly opposed.

Pope Leo has strongly criticised attempts to cloak warfare in religious legitimacy. He has said no one can invoke Jesus to justify violence, stressing that God rejects the prayers of those who wage war.

Analysts say the pope views such narratives as deeply dangerous, particularly when used by political leaders to rally support for military action.

Following the address, Pope Leo greeted crowds from the Popemobile, blessing children and waving to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square.

Officials estimated that around 50,000 people attended the Easter Mass, with thousands more watching from outside, underscoring the global resonance of his message of peace.