Pope Leo XIV Urges Leaders to Choose Peace Over Domination, Announces Prayer Vigil

Pope Leo XIV on Easter Sunday called on world leaders to lay down their weapons and choose dialogue over domination, warning against growing indifference to violence and suffering.

In his traditional Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”) message delivered to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope urged those in positions of power to pursue peace rooted in encounter and reconciliation.

“Let those who have weapons lay them down,” he said, according to Vatican News. He stressed that true peace must not be “imposed by force,” but built through genuine human encounter.

The Pope warned that the world is becoming increasingly desensitized to violence. “We are growing accustomed to violence,” he said, noting a rising indifference not only to the loss of life but also to the hatred, division, and wider social and economic consequences caused by war.

Echoing a phrase often used by Pope Francis, he cautioned against what he described as a “globalization of indifference.”

“We cannot continue to be indifferent,” he said. “We cannot resign ourselves to evil.”

As a concrete response, the Pope announced that he will lead a prayer vigil for peace on April 11 at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Reflecting on the meaning of Easter, Pope Leo said Christ’s Resurrection signifies victory over death and evil. However, he emphasized that this victory was achieved not through force, but through nonviolence and self-giving love.

According to Vatican News, the Pope described this love as the “true strength” that builds peace, fosters relationships, and renews both individuals and societies.

He concluded by noting that Easter peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but an inner transformation of the human heart.

“Let us allow ourselves to be transformed by the peace of Christ,” he said, entrusting to God all those who suffer and long for lasting peace.

The Urbi et Orbi blessing, one of the most significant papal messages of the year, traditionally addresses both the city of Rome and the wider world, offering a global call to reflection and renewal.