Pope: Don’t be paralysed by mistrust, fear; be catalysed by Christ to build peace

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Pope Leo XIV carries a candle as he arrives to celebrate the Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican April 4, 2026. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

God’s love is stronger than any evil, capable of “driving out hatred” and “bringing down the mighty,” Pope Leo XIV said.

“Man can kill the body, but the life of the God of love is eternal life, which transcends death and which no tomb can imprison,” the pope said in his homily during the Easter Vigil 4 April in St Peter’s Basilica.

“This, my dear friends, is also our message to the world today,” to be shared “through the words of faith and the works of charity,” he said. Just as Mary Magdalene and the other women rushed to tell the disciples that Jesus is risen, “we too should desire to set out tonight from this basilica to bring to all the good news,” the pope said.

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“Having risen with him, through his power, we too can give life to a new world of peace and unity.” During the liturgy, Pope Leo baptised 10 adults.

Five were from the Diocese of Rome, two from Great Britain, two from Portugal and one catechumen was from South Korea, according to ANSA, the Italian news agency. The pope also confirmed the ten and gave them their first Communion during the Mass.

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