In his traditional Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World) Easter message on April 20, Pope Francis offered a stirring proclamation of the Resurrection and a heartfelt appeal for global peace, hope, and solidarity.
Addressing the faithful gathered at Saint Peter’s Square and millions around the world, the Pope began with a joyous declaration: “Christ is risen, alleluia!”
“Today, at last, the singing of the alleluia is heard once more in the Church, passing from mouth to mouth, from heart to heart,” the Holy Father exclaimed. “From the empty tomb in Jerusalem, we hear the unexpected good news: Jesus… is not here; he has risen.”
Pope Francis emphasized that the Resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope — a hope that does not disappoint.
“Thanks to Christ—crucified and risen from the dead—hope does not disappoint (Spes non confundit!)”
He called on the faithful, especially those suffering or grieving, to take heart in the Risen Lord. “Your silent cry has been heard, and your tears have been counted… The Lamb of God is victorious!”
In one of the most poignant moments of the message, the pope issued a strong appeal for peace in conflict-stricken regions.
He expressed solidarity with those affected by the war in Gaza, Israel, and the Holy Land, and he condemned the growing climate of antisemitism worldwide.
“Call a ceasefire, release the hostages, and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace,” he urged.
He also remembered Christians in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and throughout the Middle East, encouraging the global Church to keep them in prayer and support.
“I urge the whole Church to keep the Christians of the beloved Middle East in its thoughts and prayers,” he said.
The Pope’s Urbi et Orbi message extended to Yemen, Ukraine, and the South Caucasus, calling for constructive dialogue and long-term solutions.
He urged peace efforts in the western Balkans and remembered those suffering in parts of Africa — particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes region.
Turning to Asia, the Holy Father highlighted the devastating earthquake in Sagaing, Myanmar, and encouraged a continuation of ceasefire agreements. He thanked volunteers for their tireless relief efforts and expressed closeness to the victims.
Pope Francis warned of the dangers of rearmament, stating that true peace cannot come from militarization but from mutual care and development.
“Let us use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger, and to encourage initiatives that promote development. These are the ‘weapons’ of peace.”
He also called on world leaders to resist the “logic of fear” and to work instead for justice and peace through the principle of humanity and respect for all lives.
In the spirit of the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis called for the release of prisoners of war and political detainees, praying that Easter may bring liberation and new beginnings.
As he concluded his message, the Holy Father reminded everyone that death and life have contended, but life has triumphed through Christ’s Resurrection.
“Let us entrust ourselves to him, for he alone can make all things new.”
“Happy Easter to everyone!” Pope Francis proclaimed, sending a message of joy, unity, and faith to a world yearning for peace.
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.
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