VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged “those who have the power to unleash wars” to “choose peace” in his first Easter blessing as pontiff with the Middle East conflict raging. Catholics around the world marked the holiday under the shadow of a war that began with US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28 and has drawn in the whole region, convulsing the global economy. “We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people,” the pope told a crowd in St. Peter’s Square.

Some would like Leo to be more vocal on world conflict, but others say he uses his influence discreetly

The pope ushered in Christianity's most joyous celebration on Saturday, calling on the faithful to make a commitment to bring peace and harmony 'everywhere and always throughout…