Pope Francis delivered a poignant Easter message on April 20, 2025, from the Loggia of Blessings at St. Peter's Basilica, where he addressed a crowd of approximately 50,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. The traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, which translates to "to the city and to the world," was read by Monsignor Diego Ravelli as the Pope, still recovering from a recent illness, entrusted the message to him after wishing the crowd a weak yet heartfelt "Buona Pasqua" (Happy Easter).
In his message, Pope Francis emphasized the sanctity of life, declaring, "Every life is precious in God's eyes!" He included the unborn, the elderly, and the sick in his reflections, highlighting the increasing disregard for these lives in various parts of the world. He lamented the violence against women and children, stating, "How much violence we often see even in families, against women or children!" He urged people to return to hope and trust in one another, especially those who come from distant lands with different customs.
The Pope's call for peace extended to the Holy Land, where he expressed grave concern over the rising tide of antisemitism and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, noting that the ongoing conflict has led to widespread suffering. "I appeal to the warring parties: cease fire, release hostages, and provide aid to the people who are hungry and aspire to a future of peace!" he implored.
Furthermore, Pope Francis asserted that "no peace is possible without genuine disarmament," urging nations to redirect their resources toward helping the needy and combating hunger instead of fueling arms races. He stated, "The need each people has to provide for its own defense cannot turn into a general arms race."
In a broader context, the Pope's Easter message encompassed various global conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Palestine, Africa, and Myanmar. He called for peace in Ukraine, encouraging all involved parties to continue their efforts towards a just and lasting peace. He also expressed solidarity with Christians in Palestine and Israel, urging prayers for the communities affected by violence.
During the Easter Mass, Cardinal Angelo Comastri read the Pope's homily, which underscored the message that Christ is alive and should not be thought of as a historical figure or a statue in a museum. "Christ is risen, He is alive!" the homily declared, emphasizing that believers must seek Him in their daily lives and in the faces of those around them.
"We cannot park our hearts in the illusions of this world or lock them in sadness; we must run, full of joy. Let us run to meet Jesus, rediscovering the invaluable grace of being His friends," the Pope's homily encouraged. This year’s Easter celebration, which coincided with the Christian Jubilee, was seen as a unique opportunity to renew hope and share it with the world.
After the Urbi et Orbi blessing, Pope Francis took a tour in the popemobile among the faithful, marking his first such appearance in over two months. This gesture was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers of "Viva il Papa!" as he moved through the crowd, stopping to bless and interact with children along the way.
In a notable meeting earlier that day, Pope Francis also received U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who was in Rome for Holy Week, exchanging Easter greetings. Vance had previously met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who sent his best wishes to the Pope, expressing the sentiments of the Italian people during this significant holiday.
The Easter Mass was a moment of reflection and unity, with over 35,000 attendees witnessing the ceremony led by Cardinal Comastri, who emphasized the importance of the Easter message in a world filled with strife. The cardinal expressed gratitude towards Pope Francis for his strong invitation to awaken faith in the Risen Lord, reinforcing the notion that Christ is not just a figure of the past but a living presence among believers.
As the Pope concluded his public appearances, he left the faithful with a message of hope, urging them to carry the light of Easter into their daily lives and to seek Christ in every encounter. This Easter, marked by both solemnity and joy, served as a reminder of the enduring power of faith amidst global challenges.
