Pope Francis called on Saturday, April 11, "not to give in to fear" and endeavored to deliver a "message of hope", during the Easter Vigil Mass celebrated in a Saint Peter's Basilica practically empty due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

"All will be well, we say tenaciously in these weeks, clinging to the beauty of our humanity and raising words of encouragement from the heart. But, with the passing days and the growing fears, even hope the most daring can evaporate, "he agreed.

However "we can and we must hope", despite "sad days", he insisted.

The Argentinian pope recently joined the United Nations' call for an immediate and global ceasefire to save the most vulnerable civilians in countries in conflict from the coronavirus.

"Let us silence the cry of death, that is enough wars! Let the production and the arms trade stop, because it is bread and not guns that we need", he launched on Saturday evening in his homily pronounced in St. Peter's Basilica, in the presence of only a dozen celebrants and a dozen worshipers.

At the time of the coronavirus pandemic, no baptism was celebrated during this traditional Vigil mass.

Pope Francis will give his blessing "Urbi et orbi" on Easter Sunday also inside an almost empty Saint Peter's basilica, without the acclamation of the 70,000 faithful who came to listen and greet him last year. outdoors.

It is on the immense place of Saint-Pierre black with people that the sovereign pontiff usually presides just before this prayer the Easter mass, the most important liturgical moment of the Christian tradition, which celebrates the resurrection of Christ. It will be held this year inside the basilica and will be broadcast on Mondovision.

With AFP

The France 24 week summary invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app

google-play-badge_FR