Pope Leo XIV has begun his first Easter season as pontiff with the solemn Chrism Mass in St Peter's Basilica, where he blessed holy oils for use in sacraments across Rome and delivered a forceful warning against domination and misuse of authority in both church and state. Speaking before cardinals, bishops and a large gathering of priests on 2 April, Leo declared that "no good ever comes from the abuse of power," framing his message as a call to embrace service rather than control. That evening, he continued Holy Thursday observances at the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, washing and kissing the feet of 12 priests in a ritual reenactment of Christ's act of humility. The dual ceremonies, held at the Vatican and in Rome, are central to the Christian Holy Week and signal the start of the Easter Triduum. Leo described the current global moment as a "dark hour of history," a remark made against the backdrop of ongoing war in the Middle East and rising international tensions. The Triduum will proceed with Good Friday's prayer service at the Colosseum and conclude with the Easter Vigil in St Peter's Basilica, events expected to draw thousands of worshippers and global attention.
When Pope Leo XIV says the world is in a "dark hour of history," he is not offering a vague spiritual observation—he is directly challenging leaders, religious and political, who prioritize control over compassion. His refusal to separate the abuse of power in public life from that in religious life undermines any claim to moral authority by figures who wield influence oppressively. This papacy, from its first Easter, is drawing a line: leadership must be indistinguishable from service, or it loses legitimacy. That message resonates far beyond the basilicas of Rome.
