Pope Francis delivered a powerful plea for peace during his traditional Easter "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message on Sunday, March 30, 2026. Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the pontiff directly addressed those he said "unleash wars" and called for an immediate ceasefire in ongoing global conflicts.
The Pope specifically mentioned the wars in Ukraine and the Holy Land, urging leaders to "listen to the voice of the suffering" and to prioritize negotiation over violence. He stated that war is always a defeat for humanity and called for the release of all hostages and humanitarian access to Gaza.
Francis emphasized that Easter is a celebration of life and hope, which stands in stark contrast to the "folly of war." He prayed for peace in other regions including Syria, Lebanon, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Sudan, and the Sahel. The message concluded with a call for the international community to support all paths of dialogue and diplomacy.
