Catholic Church: Pope celebrates celebration of Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica

On Holy Saturday, the atmospheric celebration of the Easter Vigil was celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pope Francis celebrated with around 8,000 believers, as reported by the Ansa news agency. In his sermon, the head of the Catholic Church castigated the “rampant injustice” and the “icy winds of war” that he says are raging in the world.

However, Easter encourages people and gives them hope. “It motivates us to move forward, to leave behind the feeling of defeat, and to face the future with confidence because Christ has risen and changed the course of history.”

On the Holy Night before Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his death on the cross. In a solemn procession at the beginning of the celebration, the Easter candle was brought to St. Peter’s Basilica in complete darkness – the darkness was supposed to symbolize life without faith. The candles of the priests and believers were then lit at the Easter candle to the call “Lumen Christi” (Light of Christ). Only when the bells rang, which according to tradition announces the Risen One, the basilica was completely filled with light. The pontiff reached the altar in a wheelchair.

As usual, Francis baptized eight adults during the Easter Vigil Mass. Among them were three Albanians, two people from the United States, Nigeria, Venezuela and Italy. The pontiff followed most of the service from a seated position. The 86-year-old Argentinian also gave his sermon while sitting on an armchair. Francis was only released from the hospital about a week ago after almost three days of treatment for bronchitis. He is also troubled by a severe knee problem that makes him dependent on a wheelchair.