Pope Leo's Easter Peace Call

0:00It's April 5th. Welcome to Adelaide News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the Story. Pope Leo XIV, the first United States-born pontiff, marked his first Easter Mass with a strong push for global peace. He urged everyone holding weapons to lay them down and leaders to pick dialogue over domination. Speaking to about 50,000 faithful in St. Peter's Square, he tied it all to Easter's core message of hope from Jesus' resurrection. He broke from tradition in his Erby, Edward B. Blessing, skipping the usual list of specific world conflicts. This came amid the second month of the United States' Israel War against Iran and Russia's continued push in Ukraine. Leo highlighted how folks have grown numb to thousands dying, plus the hate, division, and economic fallout from these fights. Leo nodded to his predecessor, Pope Francis, quoting him on humanity's thirst for death-seemed daily. Francis gave his last words from that same spot last Easter before passing the next day.

1:02At 70 years old, Leo kept hope alive against death from abuses, greed, and war violence. During Holy Week, he reclaimed old customs like washing priest's feet on Holy, Thursday, and carrying the full 14 stations of the cross on Good, Friday. He also announced a prayer vigil for peace on April 11 in the Basilica. Leo waved to the cheering crowd from the Lodzia, then rode the Pope-mobile through the Piazza, and down via della conciliazione, connecting directly. With his people as his peace call echoes into the weeks ahead.