Pope Leo warns the world not to get numb to conflict during the Easter vigil
Pope Leo guided the global Catholic community into Easter during a Saturday night vigil Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, encouraging individuals to resist feeling overwhelmed by the widespread conflicts occurring around the world and to strive for peace.
Leo, an outspoken critic of the Iran war, stated that mistrust and fear have been permitted to “sever the bonds between us through war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations.”
“Let us not allow ourselves to be paralyzed!” the first U.S. pope urged during a service for the most sacred night in the Catholic calendar, when the Bible recounts the resurrection of Jesus.
During the service, Leo did not bring up any particular conflicts, and he also baptized 10 adult converts to Catholicism.
During his homily delivered to thousands in the largest church of Christendom, the pope encouraged Catholics to emulate the saints who, as he stated, fought for justice, so that “Easter gifts of harmony and peace may grow and flourish everywhere.”
Leo, recognized for his thoughtful choice of words, has been intensifying his critique of the Iran war in recent weeks.
Last Sunday, the pope stated that God turns away the prayers of leaders who initiate wars and possess “hands full of blood.” On Tuesday, he made a direct appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to seek a “off-ramp” to bring the war to a close.
The pope will wrap up his Easter celebrations on Sunday morning with a Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where he will offer a special blessing and message, typically a moment for him to make a significant international appeal.
