Pope Leo XIV condemns indifference to suffering

In his first Holy Week at the head of the Church, Pope Leo

In front of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, in the Vatican, the pontiff described a worrying scenario. He spoke of a reality in which violence advances, the weakest are forgotten and selfishness gains space.

Leo XIV criticized what he called “idolatry of profit” and pointed to its most harmful effects: exploitation, inequality and war. “Death is always lurking”, he stated, explaining that it manifests itself in selfishness, oppression of the poor and indifference towards the most fragile.

“We see death in the violence and wounds of the world, in the cry of pain that rises everywhere,” he added. For the pope, indifference to the suffering of others worsens this situation even further.

Still, the center of the message was Easter as a response to this scenario. The pontiff highlighted that the resurrection of Christ represents real hope, capable of reaching even the most difficult situations in life.

“Today we need this song of hope”, he said, stating that the resurrection can touch man even “in the abyss of death”.

After the mass, the pope made a direct appeal against the normalization of violence. He said the world has become accustomed to war and death — a stance that must be reversed.

And, when speaking to leaders and authorities, he was emphatic: we must choose peace. Not a peace imposed by force, but built through dialogue and responsibility.

The pontiff also announced a prayer vigil for peace next Saturday (11), inviting faithful from all over the world to join together in a concrete gesture of faith. “Let us make the cry for peace that comes from the heart heard”, he asked.