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Pope Leo Calls for Hope Amid Global Conflicts in First Easter Address
The new pontiff delivers a message of resilience as wars rage in Iran and Ukraine.
Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:28pm
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In his first Easter Mass as pope, Leo XIV called for hope in the face of 'the violence of war that kills and destroys,' singling out those who wage war, abuse the weak, and prioritize profits. The pontiff addressed the faithful in St. Peter's Square, warning against indifference to 'persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty.' Leo's message came as Christians in the Holy Land marked a subdued Easter, with traditional ceremonies scaled back due to ongoing missile attacks and limits on public gatherings.
Why it matters
As the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo's Easter message carries significant weight, especially as he addresses the global conflicts and humanitarian crises unfolding around the world. His call for hope and resilience in the face of war and injustice reflects the Church's role as a moral authority and source of comfort for the faithful.
The details
In his Easter homily, Pope Leo singled out those who wage war, abuse the weak, and prioritize profits, saying 'we see it in violence, in the wounds of the world, in the cry of pain that rises from every corner.' He quoted his predecessor Pope Francis in warning against falling into indifference in the face of 'persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty.' The pontiff's message came as Christians in the Holy Land marked a subdued Easter, with traditional ceremonies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre scaled back due to ongoing missile attacks and limits on public gatherings.
- Pope Leo celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
- The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has been ongoing for two months.
- Russia's campaign in Ukraine is also ongoing.
The players
Pope Leo XIV
The first U.S.-born pope, who has repeatedly called for a halt in hostilities around the world.
Pope Francis
Pope Leo's predecessor, whose warning against indifference to injustice and cruelty was quoted by the new pontiff.
What they’re saying
“We need this song of hope today as conflicts spread around the world.”
— Pope Leo XIV, Pope
“It is also true that in the midst of darkness, something new always springs to life and sooner or later produces fruit.”
— Pope Leo XIV, Pope
What’s next
Pope Leo is expected to deliver his traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' message - Latin for 'to the city and the world' - later on Easter Sunday.
The takeaway
Pope Leo's Easter message of hope and resilience in the face of global conflicts and humanitarian crises underscores the Catholic Church's role as a moral authority and source of comfort for the faithful during turbulent times.
