VATICAN CITY — Following the celebration of Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis at noontime delivered his traditional message and blessing Urbi et Orbi at noontime—to the City (of Rome) and to the World, from the central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. In the Pope’s message urbi et orbi, he stressed that humility is needed in order to enter into the Mystery of Jesus’ Resurrection, and he prayed for Christians who are being persecuted for their belief in Christ.
“The world proposes that we put ourselves forward at all costs, that we compete, that we prevail,” he said. “But Christians, by the grace of Christ, dead and risen, are the seeds of another humanity, in which we seek to live in service to one another, not to be arrogant, but rather respectful and ready to help.”
He added: “This is not weakness, but true strength! Those who bear within them God’s power, his love and his justice, do not need to employ violence; they speak and act with the power of truth, beauty and love.”
Noting the many regions across the globe riven by suffering and violence, especially Africa and the Middle East, the Holy Father implored the Risen Lord for “the grace not to succumb to the pride which fuels violence and war, but to have the humble courage of pardon and peace.”
To the faithful and people of good will listening to his message across the world on Easter morning, he said: “We ask Jesus, the Victor over death, to lighten the sufferings of our many brothers and sisters who are persecuted for his name, and of all those who suffer injustice as a result of ongoing conflicts and violence.”
Diane Montagnais Rome correspondent for Aleteia's English edition.
And today we celebrate...