On Easter Vigil, Pope Leo called on the world not to become numb to war

(Patria) - Pope Leo led Catholics on Easter at the vigil Mass last night in St. Peter's Basilica and called on people not to feel paralyzed by the scale of conflicts raging around the world, but to work for peace, Reuters reported.

Leo, an outspoken critic of the war against Iran, said that mistrust and fear have been allowed to "sever ties between us through war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations".

"Let us not allow ourselves to be paralyzed," urged the first American pope in the service for the holiest night in the Catholic calendar, as the Bible says Jesus rose from the dead.
Leo did not mention any specific conflicts during the service, at which he also baptized ten adult converts to Catholicism.

In his homily to thousands of people in the largest church in the Christian world, the pope called on Catholics to follow the example of saints who, he said, fought for justice so that "the Easter gifts of harmony and peace could grow and flourish everywhere".

Leo, known for choosing his words carefully, has intensified his criticism of the war against Iran in recent weeks.

Last week, the Pope said that God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and have "blood on their hands". On Tuesday, he made a direct appeal to US President Donald Trump, calling on the president to find an "off-ramp" to end the war.

This morning, the Pope will conclude his Easter celebrations with Mass in St. Peter's Square and deliver a special blessing and message, which is usually a time when he makes a major international appeal.