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CNA Newsroom, Apr 21, 2025 / 15:08 pm (CNA).

The Vatican has released the testament of Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff died on Easter Monday morning, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. He led the Catholic Church for just over 12 years. 

Here is the full text of Pope Francis' testament:

Miserando atque Eligendo ("With having mercy and choosing him")

In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.

As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.

Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest — awaiting the day of the Resurrection — in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.

I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.

The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.

The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.

May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples.

Santa Marta, 29 June 2022
FRANCIS

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Vatican City, Apr 21, 2025 / 10:19 am (CNA).

Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years. 

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially announced the pope's death in a video message. "At 7:35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," Farrell stated.

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Rome Newsroom, Apr 21, 2025 / 11:11 am (CNA).

The death of Pope Francis begins the so-called?"sede vacante," a period when the See of Peter lies vacant. The time of the sede vacante after the pope's death brings with it a series of symbols, traditions, and protocols that have existed for centuries and express the papacy's essence.?

The principal figure of the sede vacante period is the camerlengo, currently the Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is also current prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life and former bishop of Dallas.

The pope appoints the camerlengo, and Farrell was chosen in 2019, replacing the French Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran after his death at age 75. 

The tasks and duties of the camerlengo are regulated by Pope Francis' 2022 apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium, which deals with the functions and structure of the Roman Curia's offices, and another apostolic constitution, St. John Paul II's Universi Dominici Gregis, issued in 1996 and that governs the sede vacante and the election of a new pope.? 

The camerlengo used to head the Apostolic Camera, an institution that dates back to the 12th century, and was entrusted to manage the goods of the Church during the sede vacante. It comprises the camerlengo, the vice-chamberlain, the general auditor, and the college of clerical prelates of the camera.

However, the Apostolic Camera has been suppressed by Praedicate Evangelium. According to the new constitution, the camerlengo is assisted by three cardinals. One is the cardinal coordinator of the Council for the Economy and the other two are "identified according to the modalities provided for by the legislation on the vacancy of the Apostolic See and the election of the Roman pontiff."

What does the camerlengo do?  

First, when the pope dies, he has to "ascertain the pope's death, in the presence of the master of pontifical liturgical celebrations, the cleric prelates of the Apostolic Camera, and the secretary and chancellor of the same," according to Universi Dominici Gregis.?

The camerlengo must also break the Ring of the Fisherman, which the pope wears for the first time at his installation Mass, annulling the seal of the pontificate. The camerlengo will, in addition, seal the pope's study and bedroom: No one will be able to enter the papal apartments until after his burial.? 

It is likely that the process will be slightly different with Pope Francis, who chose the Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace as his residence after his election in 2013. In this case, the camerlengo will have to seal not only the papal apartments, which remained unused during this pontificate, but also the pope's apartment in the Vatican guesthouse. 

After these procedures, the camerlengo notifies the cardinal vicar of the Diocese of Rome of the pope's death. The vicar, currently Cardinal Baldassare Reina, must then inform the people of Rome via a special announcement. 

The camerlengo also has to inform the cardinal archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, of the news. The camerlengo must then take possession of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican and the Lateran and Castel Gandolfo palaces. 

It is the camerlengo's duty to make all the arrangements for the pope's funeral and burial after having discussed the matter with the members of the College of Cardinals.? 

There is no such thing as a "vice pope." The camerlengo, therefore, does not assume papal authority. Instead, he manages regular administration, with help from the three cardinal assistants, while maintaining contact throughout with the College of Cardinals.

The pope reformed the rite of the papal funeral, too.

First, the certification of the pope's death does not take place in the room where he dies but in his private chapel. The camerlengo calls the deceased pope three times by his baptismal name. The baptismal name is used rather than the papal name since the deceased pope's papal identity and function ceases upon his death. The tradition of tapping the deceased pope three times with a small silver hammer has long been in disuse.

The pope's body is immediately placed inside an open coffin rather than an elevated bier, the so-called cata-letto (death bed), as happened with John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Also, the revised rites eliminate the use of three coffins — one of cypress, one of lead, and one of oak. Instead, the body is placed in a simple wooden coffin with a zinc lining and transferred immediately to St. Peter's Basilica, without passing through the Apostolic Palace for another exposition, as was done previously.  

The funeral, called?the "Missa Poenitentialis," is celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica or St. Peter's Square. Delegations from all over the world attend. The pope's body is borne in a plain wooden coffin, with a silk veil covering his face. 

No one is allowed to take pictures of the deceased pope unless specially authorized by the camerlengo. The image, however, must be taken with the pope dressed in the pontifical robes.? 

Until the practice was ended by Pope Pius X, the pope's internal organs were removed and preserved in special amphorae secured in the Church of St. Anastasio and Vincenzo in Rome before the body was embalmed. 

Once the pope has died, all the cardinals of the Roman Curia, including the cardinal secretary of state, vacate their positions. The only posts that are maintained during the sede vacante period are those of the camerlengo, the major penitentiary, the papal almoner, the cardinal vicars of Rome and Vatican City State, and the dean of the College of Cardinals.

The camerlengo will later summon the cardinals for the general congregations that precede the election of a new pope. Then, within 20 days of the pope's death, the cardinals eligible to vote gather in the conclave to elect a successor.

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Apr 21, 2025 / 11:41 am (CNA).

The Vatican has announced that despite the death of Pope Francis, the Jubilee of Teenagers is still scheduled to take place in Rome beginning this Friday, April 25, through Sunday, April 27.

According to a statement from the Dicastery for Evangelization, the event is expected to draw upwards of 80,000 teenagers from all over the world to the Vatican.

Several adjustments are being made to the program due to the death of the Holy Father.

Among the changes: The previously scheduled April 27 canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been postponed. Due to the time of mourning, the musical celebration at Circus Maximus scheduled for April 26 at 5 p.m. has also been canceled.

Jubilee of Teenagers programming still scheduled to take place includes the April 25 "Via Lucis" prayer time, the "Dialogues with the City" squares on Saturday, April 26, the pilgrimages to the Holy Door and the holy Mass, without the canonization of Acutis, in St. Peter's Square on April 27.

The first-ever Jubilee of Teenagers figures as one of the most anticipated events of the holy year and is especially dedicated to young people, who will have a unique experience of "faith, spiritual growth, and intercultural exchange."

The vast majority of those registered come from Italy, although numerous groups are also expected to arrive from the United States, Brazil, India, Spain, Portugal, France, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Germany, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, Nigeria, and many other countries.

The delegations will come from dioceses, youth ministries, associations, and movements such as the Association of Italian Catholic Guides and Scouts, Italian Catholic Action, and the Salesian Youth Movement, among others.

The official program includes several highlights, beginning with the Via Lucis (Way of Light), an act of piety in which the apparitions of the risen Christ are meditated upon, which will take place on April 25 in the EUR neighborhood, just outside Rome.

On Saturday, April 26, there will be a day of thematic events throughout Rome, called "Dialogues with the City."

One of the culminating moments will be on Sunday, April 27, with Mass in St. Peter's Square, though without the canonization of Acutis.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA

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Vatican City, Apr 21, 2025 / 05:48 am (CNA).

Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years. 

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially announced the pope's death in a video message. "At 7:35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," Farrell stated.  

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of God and his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized." 

The Vatican has not yet announced details regarding the funeral arrangements for the first Latin American pope in history. A conclave to elect his successor will be convoked in the coming days. 

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on Dec. 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and entered the Society of Jesus at age 21. Following his ordination in 1969, he served as a Jesuit provincial, seminary rector, and professor before St. John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992. He became archbishop of the Argentine capital in 1998 and was created cardinal in 2001. 

The surprise election of Cardinal Bergoglio on March 13, 2013, at age 76 marked several historic firsts: He became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first to choose the name Francis, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi's devotion to poverty, peace, and creation. 

His 12-year pontificate was characterized by a focus on mercy, care for creation, and attention to what he called the "peripheries" of both the Church and society. He made 47 apostolic journeys outside Italy, though he never visited his native Argentina. 

During his tenure, Pope Francis canonized 942 saints — more than any other pope in history — including his predecessors John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. He published four encyclicals and seven apostolic exhortations while promulgating 75 motu proprio documents. 

Throughout his papacy, Francis significantly reshaped the College of Cardinals through 10 consistories, creating 163 new cardinals. His appointments reflected his vision of a global Church, elevating prelates from the peripheries and creating cardinals in places that had never before had one, including Mongolia and South Sudan. 

Health challenges marked the pope's final years. He underwent surgery in July 2021 and in June 2023. In November 2023, he suffered from pulmonary inflammation, and in February 2025, he was hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis and a respiratory infection. 

His papacy faced unprecedented challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic, during which he offered historic moments of prayer for humanity, notably the extraordinary urbi et orbi blessing in an empty St. Peter's Square in March 2020. He also repeatedly called for peace amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Holy Land. 

Francis convoked four synods, including the Synod on Synodality, whose second session concluded in October 2024. He implemented significant reforms of the Roman Curia and took several steps to address the clergy abuse crisis, including the 2019 motu proprio Vos Estis Lux Mundi. 

Following the pope's funeral and the traditional nine days of mourning, cardinals from around the world will gather in Rome for the general congregations and subsequent conclave to elect his successor. 

This is a developing story. 

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Vatican City, Apr 21, 2025 / 06:20 am (CNA).

Pope Francis has died at 88. Follow here for the latest live updates:

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CNA Newsroom, Apr 20, 2025 / 07:26 am (CNA).

Pope Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Easter Sunday morning at the Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican confirmed.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the private audience took place at approximately 11:30 a.m. and lasted only a few minutes. The pope and the vice president exchanged Easter greetings and spoke briefly in English.

Vance thanked the Holy Father for receiving him and noted, "It's good to see you in better health." Pope Francis responded warmly. Both wished each other ''Happy Easter."

During the encounter, the pope presented Vance with several gifts: a Vatican tie, a red rosary for him, white rosaries for his children, and a set of three large chocolate Easter eggs. A separate white rosary was designated for his wife.

Vance replied, "Thank you. It's beautiful."

The meeting followed a formal conversation the day before between Vice President Vance and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state. That discussion focused on international relations, religious freedom, and humanitarian concerns.

Both parties expressed hope for continued positive collaboration between the U.S. government and the Catholic Church in America.

During his time in Rome, Vance and his family also participated in the solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday evening at St. Peter's Basilica.

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Rome Newsroom, Apr 20, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

In early 2022, some Dutch Catholics were dismayed to learn that a 37-year Easter tradition would not continue.

The Netherlands, known for its fields of flowers, had for more than three decades donated the colorful tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths that decorate St. Peter's Square for the pope's Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican.

The custom was put on hold for two years because of coronavirus restrictions, and in 2022, the Dutch florist who had organized the initiative since 2015 said he no longer had the sponsors to continue the project.

The tradition seemed fated to end. But Dutch Catholics in Rome and the Netherlands were not easily discouraged, and they stepped in to ensure the floral finery would once again adorn St. Peter's Square for the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

"We were disappointed and thought: This is a beautiful tradition. If Mr. [Paul] Deckers cannot find sponsors again, why not try to find another flower artist to do the same job?" Father Antoine Bodar told CNA via email.

"The floral gift from the Netherlands and the province of the Dutch Church to the pope in Rome is too special not to give it continuity," he told SIR, the news agency of the Italian bishops.

Bodar is the rector of the Dutch Catholic church in Rome, Sts. Michael and Magnus, which is on a side street just a few steps from the Vatican.

He rallied his countrymen, and in April 2022 he announced that the tradition would go on with chief florist Piet van der Burg, who would arrange the plants, trees, and flowers before the Easter Mass.

"Overwhelmed by positive reactions from growers, sponsors, and many others, and after intensive consultation with various stakeholders in the Netherlands and the Vatican, the efforts of many have shown that [in 2022], after two years of pandemic, Dutch flowers will once again be in St. Peter's Square in Rome," Bodar said.

The flowers and plants arrived at the Vatican by truck after a dayslong journey from the Netherlands. Before the start of the long drive, the flowers were blessed by Bishop Hans van den Hende of Rotterdam, chairman of the Dutch bishops' conference.

"These flowers and plants have been grown with craftsmanship," the bishop said at the Keukenhof Flower Park in Lisse, the flower capital of the Netherlands.

The flowers, he said, "go to Rome for the great feast of Easter, when we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The flowers will grace St. Peter's Square as Pope Francis pronounces his 'urbi et orbi,' his blessing over the city and the world. On the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord, this floral splendor will be fully displayed."

He added: "God gives the blooming power and growth, and as human beings we are allowed to cooperate with creation through the talents we have been given."

In 2018, Dutch media reported that 50,000 flowers, weighing around 30 tons, were brought to the Vatican, where they were arranged by 25 people.

After his Easter "urbi et orbi" blessing, Pope Francis always makes a point of thanking the Netherlands for the gift of flowers.

"In this square, the joy of the Resurrection is symbolized by flowers, which also this year come from the Netherlands, while those in St. Peter's Basilica are from Slovenia," the pope said in 2019. "A big special thanks to the donors of these splendid floral gifts."

This article was first published on April 16, 2022, and has been updated.

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CNA Newsroom, Apr 20, 2025 / 06:10 am (CNA).

Under clear spring skies and surrounded by thousands of faithful gathered in a St. Peter's Square adorned with vibrant yellow daffodils, Pope Francis's Easter Sunday homily called Christians to actively seek the risen Jesus in their daily lives, urging believers to "run" just as the disciples did after discovering the empty tomb.

"We must look for him without ceasing," emphasized the pope's text, which was delivered by Cardinal Angelo Comastri on April 20. "Because if he has risen from the dead, then he is present everywhere, he dwells among us, he hides himself and reveals himself even today in the sisters and brothers we meet along the way."

Earlier in the morning, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Pope Francis held a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Casa Santa Marta, according to the Holy See Press Office. The meeting, which lasted only a few minutes, provided an opportunity for the two to exchange Easter greetings.

Vice President Vance previously met Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Saturday to international relations, religious freedom, and humanitarian concerns.

The homily described how the Gospel account of Easter features the disciples "running" to discover Christ's resurrection. This physical movement, the text explained, symbolizes the spiritual dynamism required of Christians.

"The protagonists of the Easter narratives all ran!" the homily stated. "This 'running' expresses, on the one hand, the concern that the Lord's body had been taken away; but, on the other hand, the running of Mary Magdalene, Peter and John expresses the desire, the yearning of the heart, the inner attitude of those who set out to search for Jesus."

The prepared text emphasized that followers of Christ "cannot remain stationary" but must "take action" to seek Jesus "in life," "in the faces of our brothers and sisters," and "in everyday business" — "everywhere except in the tomb."

Pope Francis warned against confining Christ "to a fairy tale" or thinking of him "as a statue in a museum," insisting instead on the living presence of Jesus in the world today.

The homily highlighted the radical nature of the Easter faith, describing it as "anything but a complacent settling into some sort of 'religious reassurance.'" Rather, "Easter spurs us to action" and "invites us to have eyes that can 'see beyond.'"

The homily concluded with a prayer asking for renewal: "Lord, on this feast day we ask you for this gift: that we too may be made new, so as to experience this eternal newness. Cleanse us, O God, from the sad dust of habit, tiredness and indifference."

This year's Easter celebration took on special significance as it coincided with the current Jubilee Year, with the homily specifically noting how "the Jubilee invites us to renew the gift of hope within us."

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CNA Newsroom, Apr 20, 2025 / 06:48 am (CNA).

On Easter Sunday 2025, Pope Francis did not deliver his speech in person, though he briefly greeted the faithful with a brief "Brothers and Sisters, Happy Easter".

The pope's traditio, "urbi et orbi," was read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, as the 88-year-old pontiff, still convalescing, was present but physically limited. Pope Francis briefly blessed the crowd after the message was read.

"Urbi et orbi" means "To the city [of Rome] and to the world." It is a special apostolic blessing given by the pope every year on Easter Sunday, Christmas, and other special occasions.

Here is the full text of the pope's message:

Christ is risen, alleluia!

Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!

Today at last, the singing of the "alleluia" is heard once more in the Church, passing from mouth to mouth, from heart to heart, and this makes the people of God throughout the world shed tears of joy.

From the empty tomb in Jerusalem, we hear unexpected good news: Jesus, who was crucified, "is not here, he has risen" (Lk 24:5). Jesus is not in the tomb, he is alive!

Love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness and truth over falsehood. Forgiveness has triumphed over revenge. Evil has not disappeared from history; it will remain until the end, but it no longer has the upper hand; it no longer has power over those who accept the grace of this day.

Sisters and brothers, especially those of you experiencing pain and sorrow, your silent cry has been heard and your tears have been counted; not one of them has been lost! In the passion and death of Jesus, God has taken upon himself all the evil in this world and in his infinite mercy has defeated it. He has uprooted the diabolical pride that poisons the human heart and wreaks violence and corruption on every side. The Lamb of God is victorious! That is why, today, we can joyfully cry out: "Christ, my hope, has risen!" (Easter Sequence).

The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ — crucified and risen from the dead — hope does not disappoint! Spes non confundit! (cf. Rom 5:5). That hope is not an evasion, but a challenge; it does not delude, but empowers us.

All those who put their hope in God place their feeble hands in his strong and mighty hand; they let themselves be raised up and set out on a journey. Together with the risen Jesus, they become pilgrims of hope, witnesses of the victory of love and of the disarmed power of Life.

Christ is risen! These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life. Easter is the celebration of life! God created us for life and wants the human family to rise again! In his eyes, every life is precious! The life of a child in the mother's womb, as well as the lives of the elderly and the sick, who in more and more countries are looked upon as people to be discarded.

What a great thirst for death, for killing, we witness each day in the many conflicts raging in different parts of our world! How much violence we see, often even within families, directed at women and children! How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants!

On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!

I would like us to renew our hope that peace is possible! From the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of the Resurrection, where this year Easter is being celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox on the same day, may the light of peace radiate throughout the Holy Land and the entire world. I express my closeness to the sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people. The growing climate of anti-Semitism throughout the world is worrisome. Yet at the same time, I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation. I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!

Let us pray for the Christian communities in Lebanon and in Syria, presently experiencing a delicate transition in its history. They aspire to stability and to participation in the life of their respective nations. I urge the whole Church to keep the Christians of the beloved Middle East in its thoughts and prayers.

I also think in particular of the people of Yemen, who are experiencing one of the world's most serious and prolonged humanitarian crises because of war, and I invite all to find solutions through a constructive dialogue.

May the risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, his Easter gift of peace, and encourage all parties involved to pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.

On this festive day, let us remember the South Caucasus and pray that a final peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan will soon be signed and implemented, and lead to long-awaited reconciliation in the region.

May the light of Easter inspire efforts to promote harmony in the western Balkans and sustain political leaders in their efforts to allay tensions and crises, and, together with their partner countries in the region, to reject dangerous and destabilizing actions.

May the risen Christ, our hope, grant peace and consolation to the African peoples who are victims of violence and conflict, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Sudan and South Sudan. May he sustain those suffering from the tensions in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, as well as those Christians who in many places are not able freely to profess their faith.

There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others.

Nor is peace possible without true disarmament! The requirement that every people provide for its own defence must not turn into a race to rearmament. The light of Easter impels us to break down the barriers that create division and are fraught with grave political and economic consequences. It impels us to care for one another, to increase our mutual solidarity, and to work for the integral development of each human person.

During this time, let us not fail to assist the people of Myanmar, plagued by long years of armed conflict, who, with courage and patience, are dealing with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Sagaing, which caused the death of thousands and great suffering for the many survivors, including orphans and the elderly. We pray for the victims and their loved ones, and we heartily thank all the generous volunteers carrying out the relief operations. The announcement of a ceasefire by various actors in the country is a sign of hope for the whole of Myanmar.

I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development. These are the "weapons" of peace: weapons that build the future, instead of sowing seeds of death!

May the principle of humanity never fail to be the hallmark of our daily actions. In the face of the cruelty of conflicts that involve defenceless civilians and attack schools, hospitals and humanitarian workers, we cannot allow ourselves to forget that it is not targets that are struck, but persons, each possessed of a soul and human dignity.

In this Jubilee year, may Easter also be a fitting occasion for the liberation of prisoners of war and political prisoners!

Dear brothers and sisters,

In the Lord's Paschal Mystery, death and life contended in a stupendous struggle, but the Lord now lives forever (cf. Easter Sequence). He fills us with the certainty that we too are called to share in the life that knows no end, when the clash of arms and the rumble of death will be heard no more. Let us entrust ourselves to him, for he alone can make all things new (cf. Rev. 21:5)!

Happy Easter to everyone!

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