Pope Leo XIV's Easter Vigil: A Call for Global Peace

On April 4, 2026, Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, marking a significant moment in his papacy. The vigil began in darkness, symbolizing the light of Christ, and included the baptism of ten adults from various countries, including the United Kingdom, Portugal, and South Korea. In his homily, the pope emphasized the transformative power of Jesus's resurrection, urging the faithful to overcome the "heavy stones" of sin, mistrust, and fear that separate humanity from God and from one another.

At Easter vigil, Pope urges peace in world torn by warNewsweekNational Catholic ReporterAt Easter Vigil, Pope Leo XIV calls for peace to 'grow and flourish' throughout the worldCruxPope Leo XIV at his first Easter Vigil: "Let us not be paralyzed by wars."Reuters

Throughout the vigil, Pope Leo XIV delivered a poignant message regarding the ongoing conflicts in the world, particularly the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and Russia's war in Ukraine. He condemned the use of faith to justify violence, stating that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war. The pope's remarks were a continuation of his recent criticisms of war, where he has called for peace and reconciliation. He urged the congregation not to be paralyzed by the weight of these challenges, emphasizing the need for commitment to ensure that "the Easter gifts of harmony and peace may grow and flourish everywhere and always throughout the world."

Reuters

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the Gospel account of the resurrection, drawing parallels between the sealed tomb of Jesus and the metaphorical tombs of modern society. He stated, "Even in our own day, there is no shortage of tombs that need opening," referring to barriers such as mistrust and injustice that hinder peace. The pope encouraged the faithful to follow the example of saints who have historically rolled away these stones, often at great personal cost, to foster a world of love and unity.

At Easter Vigil, Pope Leo XIV calls for peace to 'grow and flourish' throughout the world

Pope Leo XIV's Easter Vigil Mass was marked by a series of strong statements against war and injustice. He reiterated that "the sanctifying power of this night dispels wickedness, washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen," and called on the faithful to act in ways that promote peace. His remarks have drawn attention, especially in light of recent conflicts, and have been met with both support and criticism from various quarters, including responses from the White House defending the use of prayer in military contexts.

Newsweek

• “Let us not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by them!” — Pope Leo XIV

At Easter Vigil, Pope Leo XIV calls for peace to 'grow and flourish' throughout the world

• “The risen One is the same creator of the universe who, just as he brought us into existence out of nothing at the dawn of history, also gave his life for us on the Cross to show us his boundless love,” — Pope Leo XIV

Crux

• “Humanity can kill the body, but the life of the God of love is eternal life, which transcends death and which no tomb can imprison.” — Pope Leo XIV

Newsweek

• “we too should desire to set out tonight from this basilica to bring to all the good news,” — Pope Leo XIV

National Catholic Reporter

Following the vigil, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to celebrate an open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square and deliver the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, which serves as a summation of global concerns and a call for peace in conflict zones. This event will further highlight the pope's commitment to addressing contemporary issues through the lens of faith and compassion.

Newsweek