Author: Pilgrim Kompass Team

By Pope Francis CNA Newsroom, Apr 20, 2025 / 06:48 am 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 traditional blessing, “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…

Welcome to the blog post covering Pope Francis’ Easter message from the Loggia delle Benedizioni at the Vatican. The Pontiff, in his message read by Monsignor Ravelli, called for a ceasefire in Gaza, peace in Ukraine and African regions, and support for the earthquake-affected population in Myanmar. He emphasized the importance of true disarmament for achieving peace, respect for religious freedom, and the release of war prisoners and political detainees during the Jubilee. Salvatore Cernuzio – Vatican City Dear brothers and sisters, happy Easter! As the gentle voice of Pope Francis resonated in the city and around the world, he…

The Easter Message of Pope Francis: A Call for Peace and Global Unity Pope Francis, known for his dedication to promoting peace worldwide, used his Easter Urbi et Orbi message to call for global disarmament, the release of prisoners, and peace on earth. This year, as he delivered his message and blessing Urbi et Orbi, the Pope emphasized the importance of unity and compassion. By Francesca Merlo From the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis addressed the crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square, filled with tulips. Despite his ongoing recovery from bilateral pneumonia, the Pope’s words rang out, proclaiming:…

By Hannah Brockhaus Rome Newsroom, Apr 20, 2025 / 06:00 am 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. Pope Francis celebrates Easter Sunday Mass in 2017, flanked by tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils from the Netherlands. Credit: Lucia Ballester/CNA The custom was put on hold for two years because of coronavirus restrictions, and in 2022,…

A Special Easter Meeting: Pope Francis Meets US Vice President JD Vance On a beautiful Easter Sunday morning, Pope Francis had a brief yet meaningful meeting with the Vice President of the United States, JD Vance. The meeting, which took place at Casa Santa Marta, allowed the two leaders to exchange Easter greetings and share a moment of connection. JD Vance, who had attended the Passion Liturgy in the Vatican on Good Friday with his family, also had the opportunity to visit the Secretariat of State. There, he was warmly welcomed by Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop…

Welcome to the season of Easter, a time of celebration and reflection on the victory of Christ over death! As we rejoice with Alleluia resounding, let us also remember those around the world who may struggle to find the same joy in places like Ukraine, Haiti, Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Even in our own homes and churches, there may be challenges that hinder our ability to fully embrace the Easter spirit. Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo of Oyo reminds us of the harsh realities faced by many around the world, where hope is fading amidst war,…

By AC Wimmer CNA Newsroom, Apr 20, 2025 / 07:12 am Pope Francis delivered a powerful Easter message on Sunday, urging world leaders to reject fear and embrace unity and compassion. Despite his physical limitations, the 88-year-old pontiff made an appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica to share his message with the faithful. He called on politicians to use their power to help the less fortunate, combat hunger, and support initiatives for development, rather than succumbing to fear and isolation. Archbishop Diego Ravelli read the pope’s traditional “urbi et orbi” blessing on his behalf. Earlier in the day, Pope Francis met…

Il Papa Francesco si affaccia alla Loggia delle Benedizioni della Basilica di San Pietro per la tradizionale benedizione Urbi et Orbi, al termine della messa di Pasqua celebrata su piazza San Pietro dal cardinale Angelo Comastri. È stato accolto con ovazioni dai fedeli presenti a Piazza San Pietro. “Cari fratelli e sorelle, Buona Pasqua. Incarico il Maestro delle Cerimonie di leggere il messaggio”, queste sono le poche parole pronunciate dal Papa alla Loggia, lasciando la lettura del messaggio a mons. Diego Ravelli. Papa Francesco torna a concentrarsi sulla violenza contro le donne, come aveva già fatto ieri nell’omelia della Veglia…

Celebrating Easter with Pope Francis As the morning sun rose over Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Francis led the Easter Mass with a message of hope and renewal. The joy of Easter was palpable as over fifty thousand faithful gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The Square was adorned with vibrant flowers, a tradition that has been upheld by Dutch florists for 40 years. Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the Archpriest emeritus of Saint Peter’s Basilica, presided over the liturgy and shared the homily prepared by Pope Francis for the occasion. The theme of the homily centered around the urgency of seeking…

The Resurrection of Hope: Easter Mass at the Vatican On Easter Sunday, in St. Peter’s Square, Cardinal Comastri presided over the Mass on behalf of Pope Francis. In the Pontiff’s homily, he urged the faithful to have hope that “we can live this poor, fragile, and wounded existence clinging to Christ, because He has conquered death, overcomes our darkness, and will overcome the world’s darkness.” By Isabella H. de Carvalho – Vatican City The risen Christ “hides and reveals Himself in the sisters and brothers we encounter”, in the “most anonymous and unpredictable situations of our lives”, and “in our…