Pope Francis delivered a powerful Easter message of peace and resilience from the heart of Vatican City, as thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square for one of Christianity’s most sacred celebrations. Marking his first public Easter appearance since recovering from pneumonia.
Thousands of pilgrims from around the world gathered in St. Peter’s Square to witness the Vatican’s Easter celebrations, a cornerstone of the Christian calendar. This year’s observance carried special significance, marking Pope Francis’ first public Easter appearance since recovering from a serious health scare earlier this year.
The Holy Week culminated in Easter Sunday Mass, held at St. Peter’s Basilica and followed by the traditional Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”) blessing, delivered by the Pope from the central balcony. Though visibly frail, the 88-year-old pontiff offered a powerful message of hope, peace, and compassion, with his speech read aloud by a senior Vatican official as he looked on.
A Call for Peace and Unity
In his Easter address, Pope Francis renewed his call for peace in conflict zones across the globe, with a particular focus on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the war in Ukraine. He urged global leaders to pursue dialogue over division and to protect the vulnerable caught in the crossfire of conflict.
"The resurrection of Christ is a reminder that light always follows darkness, and life triumphs over death," the Pope’s message read. He specifically called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and a global commitment to justice, peace, and reconciliation.
He also condemned the rise of antisemitism and other forms of hatred, stressing the importance of interfaith dialogue and solidarity in a divided world.
A Celebration of Faith and Resilience
The celebrations began in the early hours with the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday night, considered the most solemn liturgy of the Catholic Church. The Basilica was bathed in candlelight as Pope Francis lit the Paschal candle, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection. Despite his health limitations, the Pope participated with visible emotion, supported by aides throughout the ceremony.
On Sunday, the Easter Mass brought together cardinals, bishops, clergy, and laypeople from across continents. The square, adorned with thousands of blooming flowers donated annually by the Netherlands, echoed with music, prayers, and cheers of “Viva il Papa!”
Following the Mass, Pope Francis appeared in an open-air popemobile to greet the faithful — his first such outing since being hospitalized for pneumonia. Smiling and waving, he received blessings and warm greetings from the crowd, many holding national flags and Easter lilies.
Looking Ahead
This year’s Easter celebrations at the Vatican were not only a spiritual landmark but also a testament to resilience — both of the Pope and the Catholic Church in a time of global uncertainty. Pope Francis, who has consistently focused on humility, social justice, and the environment during his papacy, once again used this sacred occasion to unite hearts around compassion and action.
The Vatican's message remains clear: amid suffering, faith endures; amid division, peace is still possible.
Russian air strikes injured 13 and damaged buildings in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the Black Sea port ci...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the war against Iran was nearing its end, saying Tehran wanted to reach a deal as the c...
Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan have concluded a two-day visit to Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur, touring key cultu...
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
Russian air strikes injured 13 and damaged buildings in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the Black Sea port city of Odesa in the early hours of Thursday, officials said on the Telegram messaging app.
A top Democrat on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee said on Wednesday he would not approve the Trump administration’s proposed $2.8 billion sale of thousands of heavy bombs to Israel, citing concerns over civilian protection and international law.
Poland has urged the European Union to accelerate action against Meta after a new report estimated the technology giant could have earned around $199 million (760 million zlotys) from fraudulent advertisements in the country over a year.
Israel and Morocco have agreed to upgrade their diplomatic relations, turn their existing missions into full embassies and appoint ambassadors, marking a further expansion of ties restored under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords.
China has officially opened the Pinglu Canal, a $10.75 billion waterway giving the country's landlocked southwest a shorter, direct route to the sea and Southeast Asian markets.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment