Pope Leo: Peace Before Easter

0:00It's March 31st. This is Europe News today, European news powered by AI. Pope Leo XIV, the U.S. born pontiff, just voiced his hope that the U.S. Israel war against Iran wraps up before Easter. He shared this with reporters Tuesday as he left the papal retreat at Castell Gandalfo outside Rome, tying it to President Trump's recent comments on, ending the conflict. He mentioned Trump wanting an off-ram from the fighting, stressing the need to cut back on bombings and eased the rising hatred across the Middle East and beyond. Leo urged all world leaders to dial-up dialogue and dial-down violence so peace can hit home, especially during Easter. These words drop right in the heart of Holy Week. Christianity's holiest stretch, when reflections should rule but suffering in deaths, Ivanov. Innocent kids keep piling up. From Palm Sunday, he straight up said, God ignores prayers from those waging war or twisting faith to back their bombs.

1:02Leaders on every side of this Iran clash, plus Russia's Ukraine push, keep invoking religion to fuel the fire, from U.S. defense folks to Orthodox. Voice is calling it holy war. Meanwhile, Holy Week rolls on with Leo's set for footwashing Thursday, leading the good Friday Coliseum procession and handling Easter vigil baptisms. Saturday. As Easter Sunday Mass Phil St. Peter Square followed by that balcony blessing, Leo's peace push hangs heavy, reminding his dialogue might just be. The real resurrection we need right now.