Pope Leo XIV Calls for World to 'Lay Down Arms' in First Easter Blessing
Pope Leo XIV called on world leaders to "lay down arms" during his first Easter Sunday blessing as pontiff. The first U.S.-born pope delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter's Basilica, but did not name any specific wars or conflicts.
Pope Leo XIV marked his first Easter as pontiff with a powerful call for peace, urging those with weapons to "lay them down" during his Easter Sunday blessing at the Vatican. The pope delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for "to the city of Rome and to the world" - from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica.
As the first U.S.-born pope in history, Leo emphasized Easter's message of hope as a celebration of Jesus' resurrection. "Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down!" the pope declared during both his blessing and homily.
Notably, Pope Leo chose not to name any specific wars or conflicts in his address, taking a broad approach to his peace message rather than calling out particular nations or situations. The Urbi et Orbi blessing is one of the most significant papal addresses of the year, traditionally broadcast worldwide and carrying special spiritual significance for Catholics.
The pope's Easter message comes at a time when multiple global conflicts continue to affect millions of people worldwide, making his call for disarmament particularly resonant for the international Catholic community.
The pope's Easter message carries global influence as millions of Catholics worldwide look to Vatican leadership on issues of war and peace. His call for disarmament comes as multiple conflicts rage across the world, affecting international stability and humanitarian crises.
Watch for how Vatican diplomacy follows up on the pope's peace message and any future papal statements on specific conflicts.
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