[Excerpts from Pope Francis’ message, Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 19, 2025]
***
“We cannot celebrate Easter without continuing to deal with
the nights that dwell in our hearts and the shadows of death
that so often loom over our world.
Christ indeed conquered sin and destroyed death,
yet in our earthly history the power of his Resurrection
is still being brought to fulfilment.”
“The light quietly shines forth, even though we are in darkness;
the promise of new life and a world finally set free awaits us;
and a new beginning, however impossible it might seem,
can take us by surprise, for Christ has triumphed over death.”
“The risen Christ is the definitive turning point in human history.
He is the hope that does not fade.
He is the love that accompanies us and sustains us.
He is the future of history, the ultimate destination towards which we walk,
to be welcomed into that new life
in which the Lord himself will wipe away all our tears.”
***
Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His final remarks, in his spiritual testament, read as follows:
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.
***
Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his faithful servants.
Psalm 116:15 NIV
The Pope was so progressive. Wish other leaders would do the same. He will be missed.
Amen