Pope warns world is becoming ‘indifferent’ to violence

In his Easter mass at the Vatican on April 5, 2026, Pope Leo XIV warned that the world is becoming increasingly "indifferent" to violence. The Pope stated that people are growing accustomed to violence. He urged global leaders to actively "choose peace." The pontiff's message focused on a perceived global desensitization to conflict and a call for proactive efforts towards peaceful resolutions. The Pope's remarks highlight his concern about escalating violence and its impact on global society.

On April 5, 2026, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Easter Mass at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, urging peace during a time when Christians are celebrating Easter in locations such as Jerusalem, Gaza and Tehran. The Pope addressed the faithful and delivered the Urbi et Orbi blessing, which translates to "to the city of Rome and to the world," from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. The event was marked by traditional rituals, including the sprinkling of holy water. The Pope also greeted the attendees at the end of the Easter Mass. The celebration took place as Christians around the world commemorated the holiday.

In his first Easter Mass address at St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV called on global leaders to choose peace and abandon desires for conflict. The US-born Pope, a vocal critic of the Iran war, delivered his "Urbi et Orbi" blessing to thousands of worshippers. While not naming specific countries, he denounced global conflicts and a growing indifference to violence, urging those with the power to wage war to instead choose peace. Pope Leo highlighted Jesus' nonviolent response to suffering in reference to the Easter story. He also announced a prayer vigil for peace to be held on April 11th. The Pope has repeatedly warned against indifference to war and suffering in recent Holy Week addresses.

In his first Easter Mass as pontiff, Pope Leo called for peace and dialogue to resolve global conflicts. While he emphasized the Easter message of hope and Jesus's resurrection, he notably refrained from specifically naming conflicts like the wars in Ukraine and Iran during the Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter's Basilica. Pope Leo urged those with weapons to lay them down and those with power to choose peace through dialogue, not domination. He acknowledged indifference to the deaths and consequences of conflict, quoting his predecessor, Pope Francis, on the "great thirst for death" witnessed daily. The Pope's message served as an appeal for global reconciliation amidst ongoing violence.

Pope Leo delivered his first Urbi et Orbi address as pope on Christmas Day, calling for an end to conflicts worldwide. In a speech to crowds gathered in St Peter's Square, he addressed tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East, including Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria. The pontiff also mentioned conflicts in Thailand and Cambodia. Pope Leo urged worshippers to ask for justice, peace, and stability in these regions. This was his first Urbi et Orbi speech since being elected as pope on May 8. By addressing global conflicts on Christmas Day, the pope aimed to promote peace and unity during the holiday season.

In his first Christmas sermon as Pope, Leo XIV addressed the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, marking an unusually direct appeal during the Christmas Holy Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on December 25, 2025. Pope Leo, elected in May, referenced the tents in Gaza, highlighting the exposure to harsh weather conditions. He also lamented the global impact of wars, the plight of the homeless, and the conscription of young people into armed conflict. While Pope Leo typically avoids political references, he has recently spoken about the need for a Palestinian state. The Pope's message comes after a ceasefire in October between Israel and Hamas, with humanitarian agencies reporting insufficient aid reaching the devastated Gaza Strip.