Pope Francis: Hope and Peace in a moving Easter address

Pope Francis: Hope and Peace in a moving Easter address

Petersplatz, Rom, Italien - On April 20, 2025, Pope Francis granted the blessing "Urbi et Orbi" on St. Peter's Square in Rome on Easter Sunday. In front of the eyes of 35,000 believers, the 88-year-old Pope, who appeared in a wheelchair and did not manage without nasal cannulas, wished everyone a happy Easter in a weak voice. The Easter message he read was torpedoed by the papal master of ceremonies Diego Ravelli and focused on pressing topics of peace and human dignity.

in his message Franziskus vividly spoke for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. He particularly emphasized his closeness to the suffering Christians in Palestine and Israel, as well as the people in the Gaza Strip. He also expressed his concern about the growing climate of anti -Semitism.

demand for peace and freedom of religion

Francis also made an appeal to the warring parties to hire the fire, to leave hostage and to help the needy. The Pope also called for religious freedom and nuclear disarmament and prayed for peace in Lebanon, Syria and Ukraine.

Before the blessing, the Pope had a meeting with US Vice President James David Vance in the Santa Marta guest house. Vance, which has been transferred to Catholicism, was previously received by Vatican State Secretary Cardinal Pietro Parolin. He also had the opportunity to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Easter mass and the resurrection of Jesus

The Easter fair itself was celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Comastri and took place live on television in numerous countries. During the celebration, Francis gave a sermon in which the resurrection of Jesus and the reactions of Maria Magdalena, Peter and Johannes were the focus. Here he explained the hurry of the disciples who discovered the violent stone on the grave, which symbolically stands for the urge to seek Jesus.

The central message of the sermon was clear: Jesus rose and no longer arrested in the grave. Francis encouraged the believers to look for Jesus in their everyday life and not to be detained by sadness. Easter faith requires an active search for Jesus in different life situations and hope that should be share with others.

Finally, the Pope called for starting every day and discovering the joy of life. After the Easter mass, Francis drove over St. Peter's Square for about 15 minutes in his open papamobile and welcomed numerous children. Despite his health challenges, after serious pneumonia, he remains active in office and fulfills his obligations.

On Maundy Thursday, the Pope had visited a Roman detention center, but was unable to wash the foot there and instead prayed with the occupants. His recovery from pneumonia has not yet been fully completed; He cures in his residence, the Casa Santa Marta.

Easter remains the most important festival of Christianity because it is reminiscent of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In addition to the religious aspect, it is also a time of joint celebration and sharing hope.