By Matters India Reporter
Vatican City, April 6, 2026: Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Easter “Urbi et Orbi” message from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, urging Catholics worldwide to embrace peace and reject violence.
Speaking to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and millions watching globally, the pope emphasized that “the power with which Christ rose is entirely nonviolent.”
The Roman pontiff’s words came on Easter Sunday, April 5, as he reflected on the meaning of Christ’s resurrection. “Christ is risen! Happy Easter!” he began, before reminding the faithful that Easter represents “the victory of life over death, of light over darkness, of love over hatred.”
Pope stresses nonviolent strength of Resurrection
Pope Leo XIV explained that Jesus triumphed not through force but through love and sacrifice. “Christ, our ‘victorious King,’ fought and won his battle through trusting abandonment to the Father’s will,” he said.
He described the resurrection as a model of peace, comparing it to “a grain of wheat” that grows after dying in the earth and “a human heart which, wounded by an offense, rejects the instinct for revenge.”
The pope said that this nonviolent power is what brings true peace to humanity. “It fosters respectful relationships at every level: among individuals, families, social groups, and nations,” he said.
He urged leaders and citizens alike to choose dialogue over domination, and compassion over conflict.
Call to reject indifference and violence
Pope Leo XIV warned against what he called a “globalization of indifference,” echoing words of his predecessor Pope Francis. He lamented that society has grown accustomed to violence and “indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people” caused by war.
He urged the faithful not to resign themselves to evil, quoting Saint Augustine: “If you fear death, love the resurrection!”
The pope’s appeal was direct: “Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue!”
He reminded listeners that Christ’s peace is not simply “the silence of weapons,” but a transformation of the heart.
Invitation to prayer vigil for peace
Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV invited Catholics to join him in a prayer vigil for peace at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 11. “Let us make heard the cry for peace that springs from our hearts,” he said.
He called on the faithful to abandon “every desire for conflict, domination, and power” and entrust the world to God’s love.
The pope’s Easter message highlighted the urgency of peace in a time marked by global conflict and division. “He is the only one who makes all things new,” Pope Leo XIV said, closing with a blessing: “Happy Easter!”
(Photo: YouTube screengrab)