Delivering his Easter Sunday “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo lamented that the international community was becoming dangerously desensitised to human suffering with the “growing accustomed to violence.”

“We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people.

“Indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow. Indifferent to the economic and social consequences they produce, which we all feel,” he said.

Borrowing a phrase from the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo added, “There is an ever-increasing “globalization of indifference,”

He explained that the late Pope Francis reminded the world of “What a great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world!.”

According to him, the Easter message, which marks the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, centres on hope, peace, and the triumph of life over death.

Pope Leo stressed that Christ’s resurrection represents a victory achieved not through violence, but through love, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

Referencing the worsening state of global conflicts, the Pope cautioned that indifference has become widespread, echoing concerns previously raised by Pope Francis about a world increasingly tolerant of bloodshed.

He called on world leaders to abandon war and embrace dialogue, insisting that true peace cannot be imposed by force.

“In the light of Easter, let us allow ourselves to be amazed by Christ! Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!,” he added.

The pontiff also urged individuals and nations to confront the moral consequences of violence, warning against turning away from the reality of death and suffering.

Pope Leo announced a global prayer vigil for peace on April 11 at Saint Peter’s Basilica, inviting people of all faiths to join in seeking an end to wars and divisions.

He advised the faithful to embrace the message of Easter by rejecting hatred and opening their hearts to reconciliation, noting that lasting peace begins with inner transformation.

The Pope’s message came amid the U.S. Israel-Iran war and killings in Nigeria’s North East and North Central, including the recent murder of over 20 residents of Gari Ya Waye community in the Jos North area of Plateau State by terrorists.