Vatican City: During his Easter Sunday message, Pope Leo XIV made a strong appeal to world leaders to stop violence and choose peace through dialogue and encounter.
Delivering the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing at St Peter's Square, Pope urged those in power to abandon war and embrace a path of understanding. He said peace should not be forced, but built through genuine dialogue that respects others rather than trying to dominate them.
Speaking to thousands of pilgrims gathered for the celebration, Pope called on leaders to take responsibility and work towards peace. He stressed that true peace comes from meeting one another with openness, not from control or aggression.
Pope also warned that the world is slowly becoming used to violence. He said people are growing indifferent not only to the loss of lives but also to the hatred, division, and suffering caused by war. Recalling the words of Pope Francis, he spoke about a growing globalisation of indifference and urged people not to accept evil as normal.
As a step towards peace, Pope Leo announced that he will lead a prayer vigil at St Peter's Basilica on April 11. He invited people to come together in prayer for a world free from conflict.
Reflecting on the meaning of Easter, the Pope said that Jesus showed the true power of love through nonviolence, forgiveness, and redemption. He described this as the real strength that can build peace in families, communities, and nations.
He concluded by reminding the faithful that peace is not just the absence of war, but also an inner transformation of the heart. He encouraged everyone to open themselves to the peace of Christ and to remember all those who are suffering and longing for true peace.