Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in Easter Address, Urges World Leaders to Choose Dialogue

Pope Leo XIV stood at the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, and delivered a direct message to the world: stop the wars.

"Let those who have weapons lay them down," the Pope said. "Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace."

His address came as the United States and Iran remained locked in conflict, with a two-week ceasefire announced just days earlier. The Pope did not name specific countries, but his words carried clear weight given the ongoing fighting.

Leo XIV said peace cannot be "imposed by force, but through dialogue." He warned against what he called a growing "globalization of indifference" to suffering, noting that thousands of lives are lost while the world looks away.

The Pope drew on the meaning of Easter itself, saying Christ's resurrection represents the victory of life over death and love over hatred. He described this victory as nonviolent, like a grain of wheat sprouting from the ground.

"Christ's resurrection marks the beginning of a new humanity," he said, "where justice, freedom, and peace reign, and everyone recognizes each other as brothers and sisters."

He closed by inviting the faithful to join him at a prayer vigil for peace at Saint Peter's Basilica on April 11, 2026.

The address was delivered in multiple languages and broadcast globally. It marked one of the most significant public statements from the Vatican since Leo XIV took office.

Earlier in Holy Week, the Pope had also recalled the three years since the start of the Sudan conflict, renewing his appeal to end what he called a "fratricidal war."

Palestinian Christians had also raised concerns ahead of Orthodox Easter about restrictions on their access to sacred sites in Jerusalem, a situation the Vatican has been monitoring closely.