Pope Leo XIV's First Easter Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflict

As Holy Week unfolds, Pope Leo XIV has expressed hope for an end to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, urging U.S. President Donald Trump to seek a resolution to the violence. On March 31, the Pope emphasized the need for peace, stating, “It should be the holiest, most sacred time of the whole year,” while lamenting the suffering and deaths resulting from the conflict, including those of innocent children. His remarks come as tensions escalate in the Middle East, particularly in southern Lebanon, where Israeli bombardments target the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.

The Straits Times

The backdrop of Pope Leo's Easter celebrations is marked by significant unrest in the Holy Land. On March 31, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, was denied entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Israeli authorities, a rare occurrence that highlights the ongoing tensions in the region. The Pope's call for peace is set against this complex geopolitical landscape, where religious justifications for violence have been invoked by leaders on all sides of the conflict.

The Straits Times

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, has taken a diplomatic stance, refraining from directly condemning the U.S. role in the Middle East. His calls for dialogue and peace resonate with his position as a spiritual leader during a time of conflict. President Donald Trump, who has expressed a desire to end the war, is a focal point in the Pope's appeals for a reduction in violence.

L'Orient-Le Jour

In his statements, Pope Leo has consistently called for world leaders to engage in dialogue to resolve conflicts. He remarked, “I hope that he’s looking for an off-ramp,” referring to President Trump's potential to de-escalate the situation. The Pope's message underscores a broader appeal for peace during a time typically reserved for reflection and reconciliation.

L'Orient-Le Jour

Critics have pointed out that leaders, including U.S. officials and the Russian Orthodox Church, have used religious rhetoric to justify military actions. This has led to a complex interplay between faith and conflict, with Pope Leo rejecting the notion that God endorses war. He stated, “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them,” reinforcing his commitment to peace.

NPR

Pope Leo's Easter celebrations will include traditional liturgies, beginning with the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, April 2, followed by the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum, where he will carry the cross. The Easter Vigil will take place on Holy Saturday, culminating in the Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where he will deliver the annual “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.

Here is Pope Leo XIV’s schedule for Holy Week and Easter 2026 at the VaticanPope Leo’s Holy Week, Easter scheduleNPRThe Straits TimesAssociated Press

• “I hope that he’s looking for an off-ramp.” — Pope Leo XIV

Associated Press

• “it should be the holiest, most sacred time of the whole year,” — Pope Leo XIV

L'Orient-Le Jour

• “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.” — Pope Leo XIV

NPR

Pope Leo XIV's first Easter as pontiff is marked by a call for peace amid significant global conflict, reflecting both the spiritual and political dimensions of his role.

L'Orient-Le Jour