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Pope Leo XIV urges peace in first Easter Mass, omits named conflicts

cultureApr 5, 2026261,007

At his first Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi and called for worldwide peace. He urged dialogue and told combatants, "whoever holds weapons in his hand, put them down," but he did not name any specific conflicts or countries. The omission of named conflicts departs from previous practice and signals a neutral, conciliatory diplomatic stance. The message matters because it sets the tone for his papacy and will shape Vatican engagement with current geopolitical crises.

Key Highlights

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Easter Mass and Urbi et Orbi blessing.
He called for peace through dialogue, urging combatants to put down weapons.
He omitted naming any specific wars or countries in his Easter address.
3 sources
wmbfnews.comPope Leo XIV urges peace in first Easter Mass, skips naming conflicts in Urbi et Orbi keyc.comPope Leo XIV urges peace in first Easter Mass, skips naming conflicts in Urbi et Orbi catholicnewsworld.comWATCH Pope Leo XIV on Easter Sunday "It is ourselves, risen with Christ, who must bring him into the streets of the world" at Holy Mass FULL TEXT Homily + Video

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