Speaking to thousands in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff lamented that people are “growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent”, Reuters reported.

“Let those who have weapons lay them down!” he exhorted. “Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace!”

His unusually brief and direct “Urbi et Orbi” blessing did not mention specific conflicts by name. He said the Easter story shows Christ was “entirely nonviolent”.

“On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars,” Leo urged.

The pope has recently ramped up criticism of global violence, particularly the US-Israeli war on Iran. He made a rare direct appeal to US President Donald Trump last week to find an “off-ramp” to end that conflict.

In his sermon for the Easter vigil, he urged people not to feel numbed by the scope of worldwide conflicts but to work for peace.

From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, decorated with thousands of flowers, Leo offered Easter greetings in ten languages. He also announced a prayer vigil for peace to be held at the Basilica on April 11.