Urbi and Orbi 2025: The message of Pope Francis Easter urges world leaders “not to give in to the logic of fear”

CNA Newsroom, April 20, 2025/07:12 am

Pope Francis denounced the many conflicts that afflicted the planet and called on the world leaders “not yielding to the logic of fear” in his Easter message “Urbi et Orbi” (in the city and the world) on Sunday.

The traditional blessing of the Pope, “Urbi et Orbi”, was read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of liturgical pontifical celebrations, like the 88 -year -old pontiff, still convalescence, was present but physically limited.

Francis, who arrived at the central loggia of the Saint-Pierre basilica in a wheelchair, praised the faithful with a brief “brothers and sisters, Happy Easter” before asking the Archbishop Ravelli to read the message on his behalf.

“I appeal to all those who are in a position of political responsibility in our world not to give in to the logic of fear, which only leads to the isolation of others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight against hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development,” said the message.

Earlier in the morning, around 11:30 am, Pope Francis held a brief private meeting with American vice-president JD Vance at Casa Santa Marta, according to the Holy See press office.

The meeting, which lasted only a few minutes, allowed the two to exchange greetings from Easter.

Vice-president Vance met Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Saturday concerning international relations, religious freedom and humanitarian concerns.

The Pope’s Easter address – delivered in the middle of a confluence of world conflicts – focused in particular on the regions torn by war, notably Ukraine, Holy Land, Myanmar and various parts of Africa.

With regard to Gaza, where “the terrible conflict continues to generate death and destruction and create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation”, Francis called for a concrete action: “I appeal to war: call a cease-fire, release the hostages and come with the help of a people who make legs that aspire to a future of peace!”

The Holy Father also deplored the “growing climate of anti-Semitism around the world” while expressing the proximity of the “sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all Israelis and to the Palestinian people”.

The Pope’s message stressed that “there can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others”. He added that peace is also impossible without “real disarmament”, warning against “rearmament race” which threatens global stability.

Thinking about the spiritual meaning of Easter, Francis reminded the faithful that the resurrection of Christ represents “the basis of our hope” and that “Hope does not disappoint!” He characterized this hope not as “an escape, but a challenge” which “does not deceive, but empowers us”.

The message “Urbi et Orbi” ended with the customary invocation of the pontiff for a peaceful world: “Let us be loyal to him, because he alone can make all things new.”

The celebration of Easter this year was of particular importance because it coincided with the 1700th anniversary of this year of the Nicaea Council and was celebrated the same day by Catholics and Orthodox Christians following the Julien calendar.

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After the blessing, Pope Francis welcomed jubilant pilgrims from the Popemobile with the cries of joy of the crowd. It was the first time that the pontiff used the Popemobile to visit the place since his hospitalization.

Last update on April 20, 2025, with more details.