As Christians around the globe celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord, Isao Cardinal Kikuchi, SVD, Archbishop of Tokyo, delivered a stirring Easter message, calling on the faithful to reject selfishness and despair and become builders of hope in a wounded world.
Addressing the faithful in Japan and beyond, Cardinal Kikuchi opened his message by welcoming the newly baptized with heartfelt joy and affirming that the Risen Christ is our enduring hope, especially in a world plagued by war, disaster, and division.
“Since the global crisis of human life began in 2020,” he said, “we have been wandering in the darkness of confusion. Conflicts, fear, and the loss of tolerance have driven people to prioritize self-preservation over solidarity.”
He warned that growing indifference and violence against those who are different is a rejection not only of human dignity but of God, the giver of life.
“A world that does not help one another,” Cardinal Kikuchi stressed, “is a world that produces despair.”
In line with the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” the Japanese prelate urged Catholics to live as witnesses of hope, rooted in community and the example of the Risen Lord.
“Hope cannot be created alone,” he said. “It is born from the faith-filled bonds we share.”
Kikuchi expressed deep concern over the suffering of the people of Mandalay, especially amidst ongoing political instability and violence, while highlighting the recent earthquake in Myanmar—a country deeply connected to the Archdiocese of Tokyo.
He underscored the Church’s mission to protect all human life, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or politics.
“Our main concern as the Catholic Church,” he said, “is to protect all life, because human life is a sacred gift from God.”
The archbishop announced that donations for earthquake relief have already begun and invited the faithful to pray fervently for Myanmar. “Through our faith, we manifest a strong bond as brothers and sisters—this generates true hope.”
Kikuchi also asked the faithful to pray for Pope Francis, who is recovering from illness, and to continue walking together as a Church rooted in compassion, witness, and renewal.
“Let us renew our commitment to support one another and be pilgrims who create hope,” he said.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
