By Staff Reporter
Catholic faithful across the world gathered on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, sharing a message rooted in hope and renewal.
At St. Peter’s Square, in his first Easter blessing, Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong appeal for peace, urging global leaders to embrace dialogue over conflict.
“May those with the power to start wars choose peace, not a peace imposed by force, but one built through dialogue; not to dominate others, but to meet them,” he said.
Speaking before more than 50,000 worshippers, the pontiff also warned against what he described as a growing “globalization of indifference,” reinforcing concerns long voiced by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
Meanwhile, ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to weigh heavily on Christian communities. In Jerusalem, the usually vibrant surroundings of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—widely regarded as the site of Christ’s resurrection—remained unusually quiet, with strict security measures limiting access to only a small number of worshippers.
Across the region, observances were marked by both devotion and uncertainty, as conflict continues to cast a shadow over one of Christianity’s most sacred celebrations.
