On April 20, 2025, a solemn Easter Mass was held in Piazza San Pietro, presided over by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, who was delegated by Pope Francis due to the pontiff's health condition. Thousands of faithful gathered for the occasion, with estimates suggesting around 35,000 attendees came to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, a central tenet of the Christian faith.
The Mass commenced at 10:30 AM, featuring the traditional "Resurrexit" rite. Although Pope Francis was not physically present, he expressed his desire to participate in the Urbi et Orbi blessing, a significant moment in the Easter celebrations where the Pope blesses the city of Rome and the world. Vatican sources indicated that a decision regarding his appearance would be made at the last minute, contingent upon his health and weather conditions.
During the Mass, Cardinal Comastri read the homily prepared by Pope Francis, which emphasized the vitality of Christ in the lives of believers. "Christ is risen, He is alive! He has not remained a prisoner of death and should not be confined to a beautiful story or thought of as a hero of the past," the homily stated. The message urged the faithful to seek Christ in their daily lives, highlighting that He resides among them, particularly in moments of suffering and hardship.
Pope Francis's homily also addressed the concept of hope, stating, "The Jubilee calls us to renew in us the gift of this hope, to immerse our sufferings and anxieties in it, and to share it with those we meet along our path." This message resonated deeply with the congregation, many of whom were pilgrims from around the world, drawn to the Vatican for the Easter celebration and the ongoing Jubilee year.
In a surprise visit the previous day, April 19, 2025, Pope Francis had made an unexpected appearance at the Basilica of San Pietro to pray before the Easter Vigil. He spent approximately 15 minutes in prayer at the tomb of Saint Peter, receiving applause from the gathered faithful. This visit sparked hope among many that he might still appear for the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
During the Easter Vigil, which was attended by around 5,000 people, Cardinal Re delivered a homily that echoed similar themes of hope and resilience amidst suffering. The Pope's message, as conveyed by Cardinal Comastri, emphasized that all of life can embody a presence of hope, particularly for those who are marginalized or in pain.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella sent Easter greetings to Pope Francis, stating, "Your Holiness, I am delighted to extend my heartfelt wishes for a blessed and holy Easter on behalf of the Italian Republic and myself. This year, all Christian churches will celebrate the most important feast of the liturgical year on the same date. This significant coincidence encourages the pursuit of dialogue and unity."
The Easter celebrations in Piazza San Pietro were marked by a sense of community and shared faith, as thousands of pilgrims and locals came together to participate in this important religious event. Many had arrived early, forming long lines to enter the square, eager to witness the Mass and the blessing.
As the Mass concluded, Cardinal Comastri prepared to impart the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central loggia of the Basilica, a moment eagerly anticipated by those present. This blessing holds great significance, as it extends the Pope's message of peace and hope to the wider world, particularly during times of turmoil.
Despite the absence of Pope Francis, the celebration retained its solemnity and grandeur, underscoring the enduring spirit of the Easter message: that Christ's resurrection brings hope, renewal, and a call to action for all believers. The themes of the homily resonated with the congregation, reminding them that faith is not merely a historical narrative but a living reality that continues to inspire and uplift.
As the day unfolded, many left Piazza San Pietro with a renewed sense of hope and purpose, inspired by the words of Cardinal Comastri and the message of Pope Francis. The Easter celebration served as a reminder of the resilience of faith and the importance of community, especially in challenging times.
In the days following the celebration, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis would continue to be involved in church matters from his residence, maintaining his commitment to guiding the faithful through his messages and prayers, even if he could not be present in person.
