Pope Leo XIV used Easter to smack down Trump’s war—preaching against a thirst for death and destruction. Without naming the American president, the pope delivered the pointed rebuke from St. Peter’s Basilica on Christianity’s holiest day.

Pope Leo XIV called for laying down arms in his first Easter Sunday Urbi et Orbi blessing, but departed from Vatican tradition by not naming Ukraine, Iran or other global conflicts

In contrast, Pope Leo XIV and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have promoted messages of peace and support for immigrants. For someone who has aligned his political career with Judeo-Christian traditions, President Donald Trump and his administration trampled over Holy Week messaging and meanings this month.

Pope Leo XIV has continued his push against the president’s unauthorized war in an impassioned appeal during his Sunday prayer. The pontiff said that civilians in the Middle East “have been suffering the atrocious violence of war” for weeks.

Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, a veteran diplomat, has been named new Vatican ambassador to United States, replacing the retiring Cardinal Pierre.

Tehran residents are rushing to stock up on bottled water and charge cellphones, flashlights and portable power banks as the hours tick down to Trump’s latest ultimatum for a deal in the war with Iran