Pope Leo XIV Calls Easter Vigil a Celebration of Light, Urges World to Embrace Peace and Renewal

Vatican City, April 2026 : During the solemn Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV described the ancient liturgy as “filled with light” and hailed it as the “mother of all vigils,” inviting the faithful to relive the triumph of life over death through the Resurrection of Christ.

In his reflection, the Pope said the vigil comes after days of deeply contemplating the Passion of Christ, who endured suffering, rejection, and crucifixion for humanity. He noted that these events form a single, profound celebration of faith, culminating in the joy of Easter, where sorrow gives way to hope and renewal.

Addressing the gathering, Pope Leo XIV portrayed the Risen Christ as the Creator of the universe, who not only brought life into existence but also reaffirmed that gift through his sacrifice on the Cross. He emphasized that the Resurrection is a powerful reminder of God’s boundless love, offering humanity the promise of new life and redemption.

Reflecting on the biblical account of Easter morning, the Pope spoke about the courage of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, who overcame fear and grief to visit Jesus’ tomb. He described the large stone sealing the tomb as a symbol of sin — a heavy barrier that separates humanity from God and suppresses hope. Yet, he noted, the women’s faith and love enabled them to move beyond fear, making them the first witnesses to the Resurrection.

“The message ‘Peace be with you,’ spoken by Jesus, is not only for them but for all of us,” the Pope said, extending the message of peace to the entire world. He urged the faithful to carry forward the Good News of the Resurrection, inspiring others to believe in the possibility of a new world rooted in unity, harmony, and compassion.

The Pope also addressed catechumens receiving baptism during the vigil, describing them as being “reborn in Christ” and transformed into new creations. He highlighted that this spiritual renewal is not limited to individuals but is meant to inspire broader societal change.

Drawing attention to contemporary challenges, Pope Leo XIV said that even today, many “tombs” remain sealed by heavy stones — symbols of human struggles such as fear, mistrust, selfishness, and resentment. These inner burdens, he explained, often manifest in larger global issues like war, injustice, and divisions between nations and communities.

Despite these challenges, the Pope called on believers not to be discouraged. “Let us not allow ourselves to be paralyzed,” he urged, encouraging people to confront these obstacles with faith and courage. He pointed to the example of early Christians, whose unwavering commitment and resilience helped spread the message of hope even in difficult times.

Concluding his address, Pope Leo XIV called on the faithful to follow this legacy and actively promote the values of Easter — peace, unity, and reconciliation — in their daily lives. He expressed hope that, through collective effort and spiritual renewal, these values would take root across the world.

On this Holy Night, he said, believers are called not only to celebrate the Resurrection but also to become agents of change, ensuring that the light of Easter continues to shine in every corner of the world.

Source : (This story was originally published by ACI Stampa)

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