The Easter Vigil began in a basilica immersed in darkness. The lights inside of St. Peter's were fully lit when the deacon chanted the third “Lumen Christi.”
The Resurrection of Christ was then celebrated. Following tradition, Pope Francis baptized a group of adults. Among them was Miss Grand Venezuela 2018. The Pope presided over Easter Vigil Mass, despite his absence during the Way of the Cross, which he did not attend out of caution due to the cold weather.
The next day was the Mass of the Resurrection. During the singing of the 'Alleluia' in the opening rite, the deacons opened the doors to this image of Christ.
At noon, Pope Francis delivered his Easter message to the whole world. His first words were for Ukraine and Russia.
POPE FRANCIS
Help the beloved Ukrainian people on the road to peace and instill the Easter light in the Russian people. Comfort the wounded and those who have lost their loved ones because of the war and grant that the prisoners may return safely to their families.
He then prayed for countries and regions crushed by war, instability or natural disasters. He cited Turkey and Syria, because of the earthquake, as well as Jerusalem, Lebanon, Nigeria and South Sudan, among others.
Pope Francis also recalled the countries where there is no religious freedom. Among them was Nicaragua.
POPE FRANCIS
Lord, help the Christian communities that today celebrate Easter in difficult circumstances, such as in Nicaragua or Eritrea. Remember all those who are prevented from freely and publicly professing their faith.
And then came the final blessing, the Urbi et Orbi, which is an apostolic blessing given by the Pope on special occasions such as Easter Sunday and Christmas.
Before the blessing, Pope Francis drove around the crowd in the Popemobile, greeting the nearly 100,000 people who were gathered in St. Peter's Square.
JRB
TR: AT
