Overview
- The pope, who delivered the address Sunday from St. Peter’s central balcony, spoke in ten languages to about 50,000 people in the square, according to Vatican News.
- He pleaded for those who hold weapons to lay them down and for those with the power to start wars to choose dialogue over force.
- He announced a Vigil of Prayer for Peace for April 11 at St. Peter’s Basilica and invited believers and nonbelievers to take part.
- He warned that the world is growing used to violence and linked war to wider harms like social division, economic strain, and what he called the idolization of profit that hurts the weakest.
- His appeal came as major wars continued and tight security at Jerusalem’s holy sites cut back Easter gatherings, while his Holy Week also restored older rites such as washing priests’ feet and carrying the full Way of the Cross.