'Choose peace': Pope marks first Easter under cloud of Mideast war

Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful call for global peace during his first Easter address as pontiff, urging world leaders to end escalating conflicts as war in the Middle East continues to cast a shadow over celebrations worldwide.

Speaking to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope appealed to “those who have the power to unleash wars” to instead “choose peace,” warning that the world is becoming desensitised to violence and human suffering.

“We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent,” he said, highlighting what he described as a dangerous global indifference to the loss of life and deepening divisions caused by conflict.

The Easter message comes amid an ongoing regional war triggered by strikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has destabilised the Middle East and sent shockwaves through the global economy.

The Pope, who leads approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, also announced a prayer vigil to be held at the Vatican on April 11. He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, recalling his final public appearance on Easter Sunday last year, just hours before his passing.

While avoiding direct reference to specific countries in his address, Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly voiced concern over the Middle East crisis and recently urged Donald Trump to seek a diplomatic path to de-escalation.

Pope Leo XIV concluded his message by calling for renewed hope and unity, urging the world not to surrender to hatred and division, but to pursue peace in a time of deep global unrest.