James O'Reilly
From words to action—the Pope has spoken countless times about peace, constantly calling for it. But this time, he took things a step further than usual.
During his Easter message, and overlooking a square overflowing with thousands of people, Pope Leo made the following appeal:
POPE LEO XIV
The peace that Jesus gives us is not the kind that merely silences weapons, but the kind that touches and transforms each of our hearts.
Let us convert to the peace of Christ! Let us make heard the cry for peace that springs from the heart! For this reason, I invite everyone to join me in the prayer vigil for peace that we will celebrate here in St. Peter’s Square next Saturday, April 11.
In his most political speech of the year, the pontiff called on those who hold weapons to silence them and to strive for the path of dialogue rather than war.
POPE LEO XIV
We are becoming accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and growing indifferent. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people. Indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow. Indifferent to the economic and social consequences they produce, which we all nonetheless feel.
Pope Leo also recalled the words of Pope Francis, specifically the ones he shared during the 2025 Urbi et Orbi, but which he was unable to deliver due to health reasons.
POPE LEO XIV
There is an increasingly pronounced “globalization of indifference,” to borrow a phrase dear to Pope Francis, who a year ago from this balcony addressed the world with his final words, reminding us: “How much willingness for death we see every day in the many conflicts affecting different parts of the world!”
It was from this very same balcony that Pope Francis was seen just last Easter during his final public appearance. The pontiff died the following day, Easter Monday. The first anniversary of his death will be on April 21.
