Triangle congregations find comfort on Easter as Pope Leo urges global peace

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Pope Leo celebrated his first Easter Mass as pontiff Sunday, using the occasion to urge nations to lay down their arms and pursue peace through dialogue, even as he departed from long-standing Easter traditions.

The first U.S.-born pope delivered his Easter blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica without naming specific global conflicts. This is a notable shift from previous messages that typically referenced ongoing wars and humanitarian crises.

While the pope’s message resonated worldwide, congregations closer to home gathered across the Triangle to reflect on the meaning of Easter and seek comfort during uncertain times.

Church pews were filled throughout central North Carolina as Christians marked Resurrection Sunday, a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and a cornerstone of the Christian faith. Many parishioners said they were looking for encouragement and hope from church leaders.

“He keeps his promises about that love is stronger than death,” said Monsignor David D. Brockman, pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh. “And that’s a great message that we all need to have today, especially in trying times. So we take great hope and consolation in that — but also joy — because with that always brings new life and that encounter with the Lord which brings joy.”

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For many attendees, Easter traditions included worship services and time with family.

“This is very important to be with family and to celebrate the risen Lord,” said parishioner Mary Jane Zimmerman.

The holiday comes as many Americans face economic strain and continued U.S. military involvement overseas, particularly in the Middle East. Those concerns were reflected in prayers offered during services.

“The wars and things that are going on throughout the world — there are two ways of peace,” Brockman said. “Working through diplomats, certainly through our prayers, through calls for peace, as well as protecting and watching over our military, of which we have many in this parish and throughout eastern North Carolina.”

Parishioners echoed those sentiments, expressing hope despite global uncertainty.

“I’m very hopeful everything’s going to work out the way it’s supposed to work out,” Zimmerman said.