Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful appeal for global peace on Easter Sunday, calling on world leaders to end conflicts, lay down their weapons, and reject indifference to the suffering caused by war.

Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica during the traditional Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and to the world”) blessing, the pope urged both leaders and citizens to abandon “any schemes for power, conquest or domination” and to choose dialogue over violence. Addressing thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, he warned that many people have grown “accustomed to violence,” risking indifference to the human cost of global conflicts.

His remarks formed part of a broader call to end wars affecting communities worldwide, emphasizing that peace cannot be imposed by force but must be built through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Pope Leo XIV also announced plans to lead a prayer vigil for peace at the Vatican on April 11.

Earlier in Holy Week, during the Easter Vigil Mass, he similarly urged Christians not to become desensitized to violence and to actively work toward peace.

The appeal comes amid multiple ongoing conflicts across the globe and marks one of the pope’s most direct statements on the humanitarian toll of war since the beginning of his pontificate.