Pope Francis, during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, urged the faithful to find joy and hope despite personal and global political crises.
Speaking at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, he likened these crises to “boulders of death.”
Specifically, he highlighted the ruthlessness of hatred, the cruelty of war, selfishness, and indifference.
The 87-year-old pontiff emphasized that Easter has the power to roll away these metaphorical boulders. He described it as “the victory of life over death, the triumph of light over darkness, and the rebirth of hope amidst the ruins of failure.”
Approximately 6,000 people attended the celebration, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Easter Vigil, following Holy Week, is a time for joy and reflection. In a heartfelt homily, Pope Francis encouraged everyone to embrace joy on this sacred night.
The ceremony began with the Easter candle carried through St. Peter’s Basilica in complete darkness, symbolizing life without faith.
As the priests and faithful lit their candles from the Easter candle, the cry of “Lumen Christi” echoed—the “Light of Christ.”
During the celebration, Pope Francis baptized eight adults, including Italians, South Koreans, a Japanese man, and an Albanian woman. Despite his hoarse voice, he read his sermon himself, seated.
On Sunday, he plans to preside over the Easter Mass and deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, signifying blessings to the city and the world.
