Pope Leo Urges World Leaders to ‘Choose Peace’ in First Easter Address

Leo refrained from naming any world leaders directly, though his comments seemed to critique several.

He expressed sadness over the rise of what he termed the globalization of indifference, echoing some of the last words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away nearly a year ago.

“We are becoming accustomed to violence, accepting it, and growing indifferent,” Leo stated. “Indifferent to the deaths of countless people. Indifferent to the hatred and division that conflicts bring. Indifferent to the economic and social impacts they cause, which affect us all.”

He urged his followers to find inspiration in the story of Easter, when Christians celebrate their belief that Jesus was resurrected after being brutally killed days earlier.

“The cross of Christ always reminds us of the suffering and pain that accompany death and its agony,” Leo said. “We all fear death, and out of fear, we look away, choosing not to see. We must not continue to be indifferent!”