By Ayomide Otitoju
Pope Leo XIV is set to mark Easter Sunday for the first time as pontiff, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East casts a shadow over the most significant event in the Christian calendar.
The US-born pontiff, who has emerged as a prominent voice against the war, is scheduled to celebrate Mass at St Peter’s Square from 0830 GMT before thousands of faithful. He will later deliver the traditional Easter blessing at 1000 GMT, an address expected to draw global attention.
The ceremony is also expected to evoke memories of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday last year, hours before his death.
During the Easter Vigil on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV called for “a new world of peace and unity,” condemning divisions fueled by war, injustice, and the isolation of nations. He has consistently advocated for peace in the Middle East and recently urged Donald Trump to seek a diplomatic “off-ramp” to the crisis.
Across the Middle East, the conflict has dampened what is traditionally a joyous celebration. In Jerusalem, services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—believed by Christians to be the site of Christ’s resurrection—are being held behind closed doors due to heightened security concerns.
Israeli authorities have imposed restrictions on large gatherings amid ongoing hostilities, leaving parts of the Old City largely deserted. Residents expressed sadness over the unprecedented closure of the site, describing it as a disruption to a central symbol of the Christian faith.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, confirmed that access to the church remains restricted, noting the near-total silence in the area, punctuated only by distant sounds of conflict.
In southern Lebanon, predominantly Christian communities are also marking Easter under difficult conditions as clashes between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement persist.
In the border town of Debel, residents prepared for Easter amid ongoing bombardment and isolation, relying heavily on aid deliveries. Locals described the situation as dire, with continuous shelling and widespread fear, but expressed hope and resilience rooted in their faith.
