Pope Celebrates Easter’s Power to Overcome Hatred and Humble the Mighty
Pope Leo XIV presided over the Easter Vigil Mass at St Peter’s Basilica on Saturday evening. The pope celebrates the liturgy in a candlelit setting. He said God answers the hardness of sin with a love that unites and restores life.
The liturgy and scripture readings
Nine Scripture passages were proclaimed during the liturgy. They traced stages of salvation history from creation through the Israelites’ flight from Egypt to St Paul’s ministry. The pope said the readings reveal a path of reconciliation and grace.
Resurrection and its meaning
Pope Leo reflected on Matthew’s account of the empty tomb. When the two Marys approached, an earthquake rolled away the stone. He described Easter’s power as stronger than any force of evil. He added that eternal life cannot be imprisoned by any tomb.
Modern ‘tombs’ and the call to act
He warned of contemporary ‘tombs’ such as mistrust, fear, selfishness and resentment. He also named war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations. He urged the faithful not to remain paralysed by these problems.
Instead, he called for imitation of the saints’ commitment. This effort will help overcome hatred and let the Easter gifts of harmony and peace grow. He added that Christian humility can humble the mighty and support the pursuit of justice.
Service and the Vigil recording
A candlelit procession marked the service in the basilica. A video of the Vigil is available for viewing.
