Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged “those who have the power to unleash wars” to “choose peace” in his first Easter blessing as pontiff, delivered against the backdrop of a widening Middle East conflict.
Addressing thousands in St. Peter’s Square, the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics warned against growing desensitisation to violence. “We are growing accustomed to it, resigning ourselves, becoming indifferent — even to the deaths of thousands,” he said.
The conflict, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has since engulfed much of the region and rattled the global economy. Pope Leo, elected in May 2025, also announced a prayer vigil at the Vatican on April 11 and paid tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis, who made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday last year, hours before his death.
He has repeatedly appealed for peace in the region and this week directly urged Donald Trump to help find an “off-ramp” to the conflict.
Tensions cast shadow over Easter observances
In Jerusalem, usually packed with pilgrims, the Old City’s narrow lanes stood largely deserted. Israeli authorities imposed strict access controls around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, citing security concerns.
Checkpoints limited entry to a small number of worshippers, while surrounding shops remained shut, amplifying the sense of emptiness.
“It’s very hard for all of us because it’s our holiday… everything is closed,” said Romanian pilgrim Christina Toderas, who was unable to access the site. Others, like visitor Otmar Wassermann, also expressed frustration at being turned away.
‘The situation is tragic’
During the Easter Vigil, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa described a city gripped by silence and fear. “The silence is almost absolute, broken only by the distant sounds of war,” he said, after previously being prevented by Israeli police from holding mass at the church.
The conflict’s impact is being felt across the region. In southern Lebanon, Christian communities near the Israeli border marked Easter amid ongoing shelling linked to clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
In the border town of Debel, residents reported relentless bombardment. “The situation is tragic. People are terrified… we haven’t been able to sleep,” said local official Joseph Attieh.
Elsewhere, Easter observances have also been curtailed. In Dubai, masses were cancelled as a precaution, while in Damascus celebrations were scaled back following an attack on a Christian town in central Syria.
Across the Middle East, a festival meant to symbolise hope and renewal unfolded this year under the shadow of war, with many communities clinging to faith amid deep uncertainty.
Comments are closed.