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In the heart of Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV marked his inaugural Easter vigil as pontiff on Saturday night with a poignant ceremony inside the dimly lit St. Peter’s Basilica. As he solemnly processed through the vast, silent space, he bore a tall, lit candle, symbolizing the light of Christ and ushering in Easter, the most joyous celebration in Christianity. The Pope expressed hopes that this Easter would inspire harmony and peace across a world beset by conflict.
Easter holds profound significance for Christians, celebrating the resurrection of Christ and his victory over death following crucifixion. As Pope Leo XIV lit the ceremonial candle at the basilica’s entrance, he proclaimed, “The light of Christ who rises in glory,” setting the tone for the sacred vigil.
In a powerful display of shared faith, candle bearers moved through the congregation, igniting candles held by the attendees. This act spread flickers of light throughout the darkened basilica, culminating in a radiant glow as the Pope reached the ornate main altar, escorted by cardinals clad in white.
During his homily, Pope Leo XIV spoke of sin as a formidable barrier, likening it to the stone that sealed Jesus’ tomb. He depicted sin as something that obscures and separates individuals from God, attempting to stifle hope. Yet, he reminded the faithful of the stone’s removal, revealing Christ’s resurrection and triumph.
The Pope urged reflection on the metaphorical stones in today’s world, representing sins that may seem insurmountable. He challenged the congregation to recognize and strive to overturn these burdens, echoing the triumph of the Easter message.
“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.
“Let us not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by them!” the pope said, calling on the faithful to make 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 said that God doesn’t listen to the prayers of those who make war or cite God to justify their violence,
As is tradition, Leo baptized 10 adults from all over the world during the Mass.
During Leo’s 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, the first time a pope has done so for decades. On Holy Thursday, he washed the feet of 12 priests in the traditional Holy Thursday ritual, restoring a tradition 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 offer the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message “to the city (of Rome) and the world,” which acts as a summary of the world’s woes.