Pope Leo XIV ushered in Christianity's most joyous celebration with his first Easter vigil service as pontiff on Saturday night, carrying a tall, lit candle through the darkened and silent St. Peter's Basilica. In a world torn by wars, he urged that Easter would bring harmony and peace, emphasizing the triumph of Christ's resurrection over death.
Symbolic Lighting and Homily on Sin
Lighting the candle before entering the basilica, the pope intoned, "The light of Christ who rises in glory." Candle bearers then stopped to light the candles of congregants as they walked down the central aisle, spreading flickers of light through the dark space. The lights went up as the pope arrived at the baroque main altar, followed by cardinals dressed in white.
In his homily, Leo described sin as "a heavy barrier that closes us off and separates us from God, seeking to kill his words of hope within us." He likened it to the stone that had covered Jesus' tomb, which was found overturned, revealing the resurrection. The pope highlighted that there are stones representing sins to be overturned today, some "so heavy and so closely guarded that they seem to be immovable."
Call to Action Against Global and Personal Struggles
Leo elaborated on these burdens, noting that some "weigh heavily on the human heart, such as mistrust, fear, selfishness and resentment; others stemming from these inner struggles, sever the bonds between us through war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations." He urged the faithful not to be paralyzed by them, calling for a commitment "so that the Easter gifts of harmony and peace may grow and flourish everywhere and always throughout the world."
With the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in its second month and Russia's ongoing campaign in Ukraine, Leo has repeatedly called for a halt in hostilities. On Palm Sunday, he stated that God doesn't listen to the prayers of those who make war or cite God to justify their violence.
Traditional Rituals and Holy Week Activities
As is tradition, Leo baptized 10 adults from all over the world during the Mass. During his first Holy Week, which is notoriously demanding, the pontiff carried the cross for the entire 14 stations during the Way of the Cross on Good Friday, marking the first time a pope has done so for decades. On Holy Thursday, he washed the feet of 12 priests in the traditional ritual, restoring a practice his predecessor Pope Francis had broken by including laypeople and non-Christians.
On Sunday morning, Leo will celebrate an open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square before delivering his Easter message and offering the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" message "to the city (of Rome) and the world," which acts as a summary of the world's woes. This event underscores his ongoing efforts to promote peace and unity in a divided global landscape.
