April 5, 2026, 1:35 p.mApril 5, 2026, 1:35 p.m
In front of tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV gave the Urbi et Orbi (The City and the World) blessing for the first time at Easter. In view of the wars in the Middle East, Ukraine and other regions, the head of more than 1.4 billion Catholics called for global peace. His predecessor, Pope Francis, died on Easter Monday last year at the age of 88. Leo has been in office since May.
Video: watson/nina bürge
According to estimates, more than 40,000 people took part in the Easter mass in the central square of the Vatican under a clear blue sky. The celebration was broadcast live in many countries. In a short speech from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica before the blessing, Leo said: “Whoever has weapons in his hand, put them down! Whoever has the power to start wars, choose peace! Not for a peace that is enforced through violence, but through dialogue!”
Warning against indifference – greetings in ten languages
At the same time, the first pontiff from the USA warned against falling into indifference in the face of the many conflicts. At his first Easter mass in St. Peter’s Square, he resumed a tradition of previous popes: Leo wished a happy Easter in ten languages. In German he said: “Happy Easter! Bring everyone the joy of the risen Jesus who is present among us.” Francis had renounced requests in other languages.
Leo celebrates differently than his immediate predecessor Francis
According to biblical tradition, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Leo had already appeared more traditional than his immediate predecessor on other occasions in the past few days. In memory of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, Leo washed the feet of twelve priests on Maundy Thursday. Francis had done this with prisoners. At the Good Friday procession, which commemorates the crucifixion, Leo, unlike his predecessor, carried a cross himself.
Leo had already given the Latin blessing Urbi et Orbi at Christmas and immediately after his election. The saying refers to the claim to be the leader of worldwide Christianity. (nib/sda/dpa)