Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called on global leaders to “choose peace” as he delivered his first Easter message, with the Middle East conflict casting a shadow over celebrations worldwide.
Speaking to crowds gathered at St. Peter’s Square, the pope warned against growing indifference to violence. “We are becoming accustomed to it… indifferent even to the deaths of thousands,” he said, describing a world “ravaged by wars.”
The conflict, sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has since spread across the region, unsettling economies and daily life. Elected in May 2025, Pope Leo also announced a prayer vigil at the Vatican on April 11 and paid tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis, who made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday last year.
War dims Easter in Jerusalem
In Jerusalem, the usually crowded Old City was eerily quiet. Israeli authorities imposed tight restrictions around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, allowing only a limited number of worshippers through security checkpoints.
Shops remained shut, and pilgrims struggled to access the site where Christians commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many expressed disappointment at being unable to celebrate the holiday in its traditional way.
‘Silence and fear’ across the region
During Easter Vigil prayers, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa described a city overwhelmed by “almost absolute silence,” punctuated only by distant sounds of conflict. The war’s impact extended beyond Jerusalem. In southern Lebanon, communities near the Israeli border marked Easter amid ongoing shelling linked to clashes with the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Elsewhere, celebrations were curtailed. In Dubai, masses were suspended as a precaution, while in Damascus observances were limited following a recent attack on a Christian town. Across the region, Easter — a festival of hope — was observed this year in an atmosphere of anxiety, as conflict continues to disrupt lives and deepen uncertainty.
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