Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Easter mass in Vatican City, emphasizing peace and dialogue over violence in global conflicts. Departing from tradition, he refrained from detailing current global issues during the Urbi et Orbi blessing. Instead, he urged individuals to lay down arms and to foster peace through conversations rather than force.
In his address to around 50,000 faithful in St. Peter’s Square, Leo highlighted the importance of hope in the face of death and societal issues created by war and greed. He also announced a Vigil for Peace on April 11 and revived the practice of greeting the crowd in multiple languages.
Notably, the Pope reinstated traditional rituals such as washing the feet of priests on Maundy Thursday and carrying a wooden cross during Good Friday services.
Meanwhile, celebrations in the Holy Land experienced limitations due to security measures amid ongoing conflicts. In Gaza, Christians celebrated Easter with joy following a ceasefire, while Armenian Christians in Iran aimed to maintain a sense of normalcy amid ongoing airstrikes.
Source link
