Pope Leo XIV has appealed for peace across the world, urging leaders to avoid further escalation of conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, during his Easter Sunday address.

Delivering his first Easter blessing at St Peter’s Square since becoming pontiff in 2025, the Pope warned against growing global desensitisation to violence and loss of life.

He lamented that many people are becoming indifferent to the suffering caused by ongoing wars, stressing the urgent need for compassion and decisive action to end hostilities.

The Easter celebration this year took place under the shadow of a widening regional conflict that began with strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran in late February, a crisis that has since impacted several parts of the Middle East and beyond.

The Pope also announced plans for a prayer vigil at the Vatican on April 11, while paying tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday last year.

In recent days, the pontiff has consistently called for de-escalation, including urging Donald Trump to pursue diplomatic solutions to the crisis.

Across the region, the effects of the conflict were evident as traditional Easter activities were disrupted. In Jerusalem, usually vibrant streets around the Old City were largely deserted, with strict security measures limiting access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a key location for Christian observances.

Worshippers faced heavy restrictions, with only a limited number allowed through checkpoints, while businesses remained shut, creating a somber atmosphere.

Religious leaders also expressed concern over the situation. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, described the environment as deeply troubling, noting that silence in the holy city was frequently broken by distant sounds of conflict.

In southern Lebanon, Christian communities marked the occasion amid ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters, with residents in border towns reporting continuous shelling and widespread fear.

The crisis has further affected Christian populations across the region, with restrictions placed on gatherings in cities like Dubai and Damascus due to security concerns.

Despite the challenges, many faithful continued to observe Easter, holding on to hope and faith even as tensions persist across the region.