Pope Leo tells world leaders to 'choose peace' in Easter speech

Pope Leo advised world leaders to end conflicts and turn to peace in his Easter address on April 5 in St. Peter's Square, his first since becoming pope in May 2025. The pope's speech came as the Iran war, which began in late February, continues to rage on in the Middle East. Pope Leo has become an outspoken critic of the conflict, and he cited a passage from the Bible while speaking on Palm Sunday, "(Jesus) does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: 'Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood'."

The pope shared a similar sentiment in his Easter remarks, saying that people "are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent." "

Let those who have weapons lay them down!" Pope Leo exclaimed. "

Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace!" Why did Pope Leo wash 12 priests' feet? What to know about the ritual The pope's message, known as the "

Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing, did not include mentions of specific conflicts, but put an emphasis on the idea that Jesus Christ was "nonviolent" in the story of Easter. "

On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars," Pope Leo urged. More war criticism: Pope Leo says God rejects prayers of leaders who wage wars The speech is the latest in the pope's increasingly outspoken criticism of world conflicts in recent weeks, including decrying "atrocious violence" in the Middle East. Late last month, he made a more direct appeal, saying he hopes President Donald Trump is "looking for an off-ramp" to the Iran war.

“I will certainly continue to give this call to all leaders of the world, to say, 'come back to the table for dialogue,'" Pope Leo said on March 31. ”

Let's look for solutions to problems. Let's look for ways to reduce the amount of violence." Contributing: Reuters,

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's Kathryn Palmer Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on X @katecperez_.