Pope Leo Offers Message of Peace in First Easter Mass Leading Vatican

‘Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue!’ the pope said.Pope Leo XIV addresses the faithful after delivering a blessing from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at the end of Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on April 5, 2026. Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photo4/5/2026|Updated: 4/5/2026Pope Leo XIV shared a message of peace on April 5 while celebrating his first Easter Mass as pontiff, calling on nations in global wars to lay down their weapons and seek peace through dialogue.Serving as the first U.S.-born pope, Leo said Easter’s message of hope is a celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection after his crucifixion.