Pope calls for harmony and peace as he delivers Easter vigil message

Pope Leo XIV leads the Easter Vigil inside St Peter’s Basilica (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Pope Leo XIV, carrying a tall, lit candle through a darkened and silent St Peter’s Basilica, ushered in Christianity’s most joyous celebration with his first Easter vigil service as pontiff on Saturday night.

The pope urged that Easter would bring harmony and peace to a world torn by wars.