Pope Leo XIV is marking his first Easter Sunday as head of the Catholic Church, but the celebration comes amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has cast a somber tone over the occasion.
The US-born pontiff is scheduled to lead Easter Mass at St Peter’s Square before thousands of worshippers, followed by the traditional Easter blessing that is expected to draw global attention.
This year’s observance also brings back memories of Pope Francis, who made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday shortly before his death.
During the Easter Vigil, Pope Leo XIV called for unity and an end to global divisions, stressing the need for peace in a world affected by conflict.
Speaking during an Easter Vigil on Saturday, the pontiff called for “a new world of peace and unity” and decried the divisions created by “war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations”.
He has consistently spoken against the war in the Middle East and recently appealed to Donald Trump to help find an “off-ramp” to ease tensions.
In Jerusalem, Easter celebrations have been heavily restricted, with services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre a sacred site for Christians held behind closed doors due to security concerns.
“It is the first time in my life that I experience a total closure” of the Holy Sepulchre, Jack Straw, a resident of the Old City, told AFP.
“It’s sad. The Sepulchre is empty. It’s the symbol of the most important event in Christian history,” he said.
In Lebanon, communities near the Israeli border are also observing Easter under difficult conditions as violence continues in the region.
“The situation is tragic,” town notable Joseph Attieh said.
“People are terrified, and the sound of shelling and gunfire has not stopped for a moment since last night. We haven’t been able to sleep.
“We are putting our trust in God,” he added.
AFP
