Pope Leo XIV Urges World Leaders to End Wars, Reject Indifference

Pope Leo XIV Urges World Leaders to End Wars, Reject Indifference
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Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful appeal for global peace on Easter Sunday, calling on world leaders to end conflicts, lay down their weapons and reject indifference toward the suffering caused by war.

Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica during the traditional Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and to the world”) blessing, the pope urged leaders and all people to abandon “any schemes for power, conquest or domination” and to choose peace and dialogue instead of violence. He told the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square that many have grown “accustomed to violence” and risk becoming indifferent to the toll of global conflicts.

His remarks reflect a broader call for an end to wars that affect people around the world.

Pope Leo’s message emphasized that peace should not be imposed by force but built through dialogue and mutual encounter. He also announced plans to lead a prayer vigil for peace at the Vatican on April 11.

Earlier in Holy Week, at the Easter Vigil Mass, the pope similarly encouraged people not to become numb to violence and urged Christians to work for peace.

The appeal comes amid multiple ongoing conflicts worldwide and marks one of Pope Leo’s most direct messages on the humanitarian cost of war since becoming pontiff.