Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Easter Vigil as Pontiff

The new pope calls for harmony and peace in a world torn by wars during the joyous Easter celebration.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:27am

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Pope Leo XIV ushered in Christianity's most joyous celebration with his first Easter vigil service as pontiff on Saturday night, carrying a lit candle through a darkened St. Peter's Basilica and urging that Easter would bring harmony and peace to a world torn by wars. In his homily, the pope called on the faithful to overcome the 'heavy barriers' of sin and mistrust that separate people and nations.

Why it matters

As the new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV's first Easter vigil service sets the tone for his papacy and his vision for the role of the Church in promoting peace and unity during a time of global conflict and division.

The details

During the service, the pope intoned 'The light of Christ who rises in glory' as he carried a lit candle into the darkened basilica. Candle bearers spread the light through the congregation before the lights went up as the pope arrived at the main altar. In his homily, Leo called on the faithful to overcome the 'stones' of sin, mistrust, fear, and resentment that separate people, and to make a commitment to let the 'Easter gifts of harmony and peace' grow throughout the world.

  • On Saturday night, April 5, 2026, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Easter vigil service as pontiff.
  • On Palm Sunday, the pope had called for a halt to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and Russia's campaign in Ukraine.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current pope and leader of the Catholic Church, who is calling for harmony and peace during his first Easter vigil service.

Boston resident

A person from Boston who met Pope Leo XIV and invited him to visit.

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What they’re saying

“The light of Christ who rises in glory.”

— Pope Leo XIV, Pope

“God doesn't listen to the prayers of those who make war or cite God to justify their violence.”

— Pope Leo XIV, Pope

What’s next

On Sunday morning, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate an open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square before delivering his Easter message and offering the traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' message 'to the city (of Rome) and the world,' which acts as a summary of the world's woes.

The takeaway

Pope Leo XIV's first Easter vigil service as pontiff sets a hopeful tone for his papacy, with the new pope calling on the faithful to overcome divisions and work towards harmony and peace in a world torn by conflict. His emphasis on the themes of light, resurrection, and overcoming the 'heavy barriers' of sin and mistrust reflects his vision for the role of the Church in promoting unity and reconciliation.