VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis celebrated Mass on Easter Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, drawing tens of thousands of worshippers to commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus. The atmosphere was festive as the faithful gathered on this significant day in the Christian calendar.
This year’s Easter celebration was marked by the Pope delivering his Easter message and blessings to the City and the World after the Mass. During the service, Pope Francis prayed for peace in regions affected by conflicts, such as the Holy Land, Ukraine, Myanmar, and Syria, reflecting the Church’s commitment to promoting harmony and unity among all people.
The Pope’s presence on Easter Sunday was a powerful symbol of hope and renewal for Catholics worldwide. Tradition played a significant role in the celebration, with St. Peter’s Square adorned with vibrant flowers from the Netherlands, as has been the custom since 1985.
Following a moving Easter Vigil Mass the night before, where he reflected on the miraculous Resurrection of Jesus, Pope Francis opted not to deliver another homily during the Easter Sunday Mass. Instead, he greeted joyful pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square and along Via della Conciliazione, riding in his popemobile and spreading joy to the crowds.
The day concluded with the Pope’s noon-day Urbi et Orbi, where he offered his Apostolic blessing to the people of Rome and the entire world from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. This gesture symbolized the Church’s outreach and commitment to spreading love and compassion globally.
The Easter Triduum was brought to a close on Sunday evening with Vespers, marking the end of the sacred Easter liturgical season. However, the celebration of Easter will continue through the Solemnity of Pentecost in May, keeping the spirit of renewal and hope alive for all believers.
In summary, Pope Francis’s Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square was a solemn yet joyful occasion, uniting worshippers in celebration of the Resurrection and inspiring a renewed sense of faith and unity among believers worldwide.