Easter at the Vatican began with a vigil where several adults were baptized.
The next day, the former archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica presided over the Mass preceding the Urbi et Orbi blessing. The Pope only appeared at the end, to impart the blessing.
It was the moment most anticipated by the faithful.
POPE FRANCIS
Dear brothers and sisters: Happy Easter! I ask the master of ceremonies to read the message.
The message, as usual, focused on peace. This year, however, he emphasized the need for the international community to promote dialogue rather than rearmament.
No peace is possible without true disarmament! The need that every people has to provide for its own defense cannot be transformed into a general race for rearmament.
In his message, the Pope cited some of the places in the world most affected by war or humanitarian crises, although he made no mention of the countries in crisis in Latin America. He also criticized abortion and euthanasia, saying that for God, every life is precious.
At the end, the Pope made an unexpected gesture: he left in the Popemobile to greet the faithful more closely in the square.
It was an important effort on a very busy day for the Pontiff, because in addition to the Urbi et Orbi blessing, he also had a private meeting with the Vice President of the United States, JD Vance.
JRB
TR: GS
