Pope Francis emphasized a new beginning and hope for humanity fighting the coronavirus on Easter Eve.
On the night of the 3rd local time, the Pope presided over the Holy Night Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, attended by more than 200 priests and ordinary believers.
Resurrection Holy Night refers to the Holy Saturday night commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In his discourse, the Pope ordered, "In this dark period when humanity is trying to overcome the pandemic, Christians should keep the Easter message of angels in their hearts not to be afraid."
He added, "Let's listen to the resurrected Lord's words to start anew, never lose hope," he added. "It is always possible to start anew because there is a new life awakened by the Lord despite all our failures."
The Pope also urged those around him to reach out first and rediscover the gratitude of everyday life.
The Mass began as traditionally, with the Pope lighting a candle in the dark and sharing the flame with other participants.
This candle symbolizes Jesus' resurrection.
On the morning of the 4th, the Pope will preside at the Easter Mass at the Basilica of St. Peter and perform the blessing'Urbi et orbi' (which means'Rome and all the world' in Latin).
(Photo = EPA, Yonhap News)