Updated on: April 5, 2026 / 8:20 PM EDT / CBS/AP
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff on Sunday, calling on people to hold fast to hope despite rising conflict and violence around the world.
Addressing the faithful from an open-air altar in St. Peter’s Square, framed by white roses and spring flowers, he highlighted the nonviolent nature of Christ’s resurrection as the true source of strength for building peace. “The power with which Christ rose is entirely nonviolent,” he said, adding that this power “fosters respectful relationships at every level” and seeks the common good rather than private interests.
Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, has repeatedly urged an end to hostilities as major wars continue, naming the U.S.-Israeli campaign on Iran and Russia’s offensive in Ukraine among ongoing conflicts. In his Easter homily he singled out those who wage war, abuse the weak and put profit ahead of people.
He called on the faithful to resist despair where death and suffering are most visible — “in injustices, in partisan selfishness, in the oppression of the poor, in the lack of attention given to the most vulnerable.” He warned against growing indifferent to “persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty,” echoing themes of his predecessor, Pope Francis, while stressing that “in the midst of darkness, something new always springs to life.”
As pope, he sprinkled holy water during the Mass in the piazza; photographs showed him using hyssop sprigs for the rite. He is scheduled to deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing — “to the city and the world” — later.
Meanwhile, traditional Easter services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem were curtailed under an arrangement with Israeli police, which limited public gatherings amid ongoing missile attacks. Restrictions also affected Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Passover observances; the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall was capped at 50 people. Relations have been strained between Israeli authorities and Christian leaders after police prevented two senior church figures, including Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from celebrating Palm Sunday at the Holy Sepulchre.
Earlier in the week, the pope expressed hope that the war could end before Easter.