VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV led his inaugural Easter vigil ceremony Saturday evening, beginning Christianity’s most celebrated holiday by carrying a towering lit candle through the darkened St. Peter’s Basilica while appealing for global unity and an end to worldwide conflicts.
The Easter celebration marks Christians’ belief in Jesus Christ’s victory over death through his resurrection after being crucified. Before entering the basilica, the pontiff lit the ceremonial candle and declared: “The light of Christ who rises in glory.”
As the procession moved through the cathedral’s central aisle, candle holders illuminated congregants’ candles, creating a wave of flickering light throughout the darkened space until full lighting was restored when the pope reached the ornate main altar, accompanied by white-robed cardinals.
During his sermon, Leo described sin as “a heavy barrier that closes us off and separates us from God, seeking to kill his words of hope within us,” comparing it to the stone that sealed Jesus’ tomb before being discovered rolled away, revealing Christ’s resurrection.
The pope explained that modern society faces similar stones representing sins that need removal, with some “so heavy and so closely guarded that they seem to be immovable.”
“Some weigh heavily on the human heart, such as mistrust, fear, selfishness and resentment; others stemming from these inner struggles, sever the bonds between us through war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations.
“Let us not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by them!” Leo declared, encouraging believers to commit “so that the Easter gifts of harmony and peace may grow and flourish everywhere and always throughout the world.”
Amid ongoing conflicts including the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran entering its second month and Russia’s continued military action in Ukraine, Leo has consistently advocated for ending hostilities. During Palm Sunday services, he stated that God doesn’t hear prayers from those who wage war or invoke God to justify violent acts.
Following Easter tradition, the pontiff baptized 10 adults from various countries during the service.
Throughout Leo’s inaugural Holy Week, known for its demanding schedule, the pope carried the cross through all 14 stations during Good Friday’s Way of the Cross ceremony, marking the first time in decades a pope has completed the entire ritual. On Holy Thursday, he performed the traditional foot-washing ceremony for 12 priests, returning to a practice his predecessor Pope Francis had modified to include laypeople and non-Christians.
Sunday morning will feature Leo celebrating an outdoor Mass in St. Peter’s Square, followed by his Easter address and the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing “to the city (of Rome) and the world,” which typically addresses global concerns and challenges.
