VATICAN CITY, April 5, 2026 (WAFA) – Pope Leo XIV led the Easter vigil mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday evening, urging people not to become numb to the scale of conflicts around the world and to work for peace.

The pope, who has consistently spoken out against wars, said that distrust and fear have allowed “the bonds between us to be cut through war, injustice, and the isolation of peoples and nations.”

Earlier, he stated that God does not accept the prayers of leaders who ignite wars and whose “hands are stained with blood.”

He also appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to find a solution to end the current war.

Pope Leo will conclude Easter celebrations on Sunday with a mass in St. Peter’s Square, during which he typically delivers an important international message.

M.N