Pope Leo XIV presided over the Easter vigil at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, urging those in power to choose peace amidst the escalating Middle East conflict that has drawn in the entire region and affected the global economy.
Christians around the world marked the holiday under the shadow of a war that began with US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people and repercussions of hatred and division.
Middle East Conflict Escalation
The Pope, who was elected in May 2025, called for a prayer vigil at the Vatican on April 11 and paid tribute to his predecessor Pope Francis, who last appeared in public on Easter Sunday last year.
According to the Middle East conflict Wikipedia page, the region has been plagued by violence and instability, with the current conflict marking a significant escalation.
Impact on Christians in the Middle East
In Jerusalem, Israeli authorities have severely restricted access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where the faithful commemorate Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, due to security considerations.
A small number of worshippers were allowed near the site, with police checkpoints screening those approaching the church. All shops in the area were closed, heightening the sense of emptiness.
Christina Toderas, 44, from Romania, expressed her frustration at the situation, stating that it was hard to want to pray when everything was closed.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, was prevented by Israeli police from holding mass in the church last Sunday, an incident that sparked international indignation.
In Lebanon, majority Christian areas in the south of the country are caught in the crossfire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.
Some of the key facts about the Middle East conflict include:
- 40% rise in conflict-related deaths
- Escalation of violence in the region
- Global economic impact
- Restrictions on access to religious sites
The Pope’s call for peace comes as the international community is calling for an end to the violence and a return to diplomacy.
For more information on the Vatican’s stance on the Middle East conflict, visit the official Vatican website.</p)
