In his first Easter message Urbi et Orbi, Pope Leo XIV called on the world to reject hostility and embrace dialogue, while announcing a global prayer for peace to be held on April 11 in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, according to Vatican News.

Addressing thousands of faithful gathered for Easter celebrations, the pontiff issued a strong appeal for an end to violence and conflict. “Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to wage war choose peace,” he said.

Pope Leo XIV warned that the modern world is increasingly marked by violence and indifference. He cautioned against what he described as a growing “habit of violence” and recalled the concept of the “globalization of indifference,” first introduced by his predecessor, Pope Francis.

“Let us renounce every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and pray that the Lord grants peace to a world devastated by war,” he urged.

The pope emphasized that true peace cannot be imposed by force but must be built through dialogue and mutual respect. “It is not a peace enforced by strength, but one achieved through encounter and understanding,” he said.

As part of the Easter observances, Pope Leo XIV announced a special prayer vigil for peace to take place on April 11, the eve of Orthodox Easter. He invited believers around the world to join in collective prayer.

The Easter address marked the first for Pope Leo XIV since his election as head of the Roman Catholic Church. Rather than focusing on specific conflicts, he delivered a broader appeal to end wars and overcome indifference to human suffering.

He concluded by reminding the faithful that the meaning of Easter lies in hope and the victory of life over death—values that, he said, should inspire humanity to reject violence and seek peace.