Darkness held St. Peter’s Basilica in a profound silence as Pope Leo XIV, a single, bright candle illuminating his path, began the Easter vigil. This was his inaugural Easter service as pontiff, a solemn procession marking the most joyous occasion in the Christian faith – the resurrection of Christ and the triumph over death.
Before entering the vast basilica, the Pope’s voice resonated with ancient words: “The light of Christ who rises in glory.” A wave of light followed, as candle bearers moved through the congregation, each flame kindled from the Pope’s, chasing away the shadows and symbolizing the spreading of hope.
The basilica transformed as the Pope reached the baroque altar, accompanied by cardinals clad in white. His homily centered on the weight of sin, describing it as a formidable barrier that isolates us from God and stifles the whispers of hope – a barrier akin to the stone sealing Jesus’ tomb.
But that stone, Leo reminded the faithful, was found overturned, revealing the miracle of resurrection. Today, he declared, there are similar “stones” that must be moved, burdens so heavy they seem immovable, weighing on hearts and fracturing the bonds between people and nations.
He spoke of the insidious nature of mistrust, fear, selfishness, and resentment, and how these internal struggles manifest as war, injustice, and the isolation of communities. “Let us not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by them!” he implored, urging a commitment to nurture harmony and peace across the globe.
The Pope’s call for peace is not new. Amidst ongoing conflicts – a second month of hostilities between the U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran, and the continuing war in Ukraine – he has repeatedly pleaded for a cessation of violence. He has stated that God does not heed the prayers of those who wage war or invoke divine justification for their actions.
The vigil included a deeply symbolic act of renewal: the baptism of ten adults from around the world, representing a fresh start and a welcoming into the Christian faith. It was a powerful testament to the enduring message of hope and rebirth.
This Holy Week has already revealed a physically demanding commitment from Pope Leo XIV. He personally carried the cross for all fourteen stations during the Way of the Cross on Good Friday – a practice not seen from a Pope in decades. He also reaffirmed tradition on Holy Thursday, washing the feet of twelve priests, a ritual his predecessor had broadened to include laypeople and those of other faiths.
The Easter celebrations will culminate on Sunday morning with an open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square. There, Pope Leo XIV will deliver his Easter message and offer the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing – a comprehensive reflection on the world’s challenges and a prayer for peace “to the city and the world.”
