Pope Leo marks first Easter under cloud of Mideast warAFP, VATICAN CITYPope Leo XIV yesterday urged “those who have the power to unleash wars” to “choose peace” in in his first Easter blessing as pontiff with the Middle East conflict raging. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people,” the pope told a crowd in St Peter’s Square. Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful from the popemobile after delivering his Urbi et Orbi in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican yesterday. In his address from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to the Square below, decorated with thousands of brightly colored flowers for the holiday, Leo offered brief Easter greetings in 10 languages, including Latin, Arabic and Mandarin. The pope also announced he would return to the Basilica on Saturday to host a prayer vigil for peace.

Source: Taipei Times April 05, 2026 17:45 UTC