Greeting the faithful with the proclamation, “Christ is risen,” the Holy Father reflected on Easter as the victory of life over death, light over darkness, and love over hatred. He recalled that this victory came through the suffering and death of Christ, who, by offering himself on the cross, took away the sins of the world and freed humanity from the dominion of evil.
The Pope emphasised that the power of the Resurrection is rooted in God’s love — a love that creates, redeems, and remains faithful. Christ’s victory, he noted, was not achieved through violence, but through total trust in the Father’s will and self-giving love.
Describing the nature of this divine power, the Holy Father compared it to a grain of wheat that dies and rises to new life, highlighting its transformative and life-giving character. He urged the faithful to embrace this path by choosing compassion over revenge and fostering relationships marked by respect and the pursuit of the common good.
The Resurrection, he said, marks the beginning of a new humanity where justice, freedom, and peace prevail, and where all people recognise one another as brothers and sisters. At the same time, he acknowledged the challenge of human freedom, inviting believers to respond with hope rather than fear before the mystery of the empty tomb.
In a strong appeal for peace, Pope Francis called on those who wield power to renounce violence and choose dialogue. He warned against the growing “globalization of indifference” in a world increasingly marked by conflict, suffering, and division.
Quoting Saint Augustine — “If you fear death, love the resurrection” — the Pope reminded the faithful that evil does not have the final word, for it has been overcome by the Risen Christ. He further emphasised that the peace offered by Christ is not merely the absence of conflict, but a deep transformation of the human heart.
Inviting all to open their hearts to this peace, the Holy Father also called for prayer for a world wounded by war and hatred, entrusting humanity to God who “makes all things new.”
The Easter message concluded with a renewed call to reject indifference, embrace hope, and become instruments of peace in today’s world.