Pope: Easter drives out hatred and brings down the mighty

Vatican City, April 5, 2026: Pope Leo XIV has said that Easter overcomes hatred and restores life through the power of love, as he presided over the Easter Vigil Mass at St Peter’s Basilica on Saturday evening.

In his homily, the Pope reflected on the themes of good, evil and rebirth, stressing that “God responds to the hardness of sin – which divides and kills – with the power of love, which unites and restores life.” Quoting an ancient hymn, he said Easter “drives out hatred, fosters concord and brings down the mighty.”

Highlighting the significance of salvation history, Pope Leo pointed to the series of Scripture readings proclaimed during the liturgy, which trace God’s saving action from creation through to the mission of St Paul. He described this journey as a “path of reconciliation and grace” spanning centuries.

At the heart of the Easter message, he emphasised, is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the Gospel account of the women at the tomb, the Pope noted that what they witnessed revealed the power of God’s love, stronger than any force of evil. “Humanity can kill the body, but the life of the God of love is eternal life, which transcends death and which no tomb can imprison,” he said.

Turning to contemporary challenges, Pope Leo warned against the “tombs” that continue to afflict the modern world, including mistrust, fear, selfishness and resentment, as well as war, injustice and isolation among peoples and nations.

He urged the faithful not to remain paralysed in the face of such realities. Instead, he called on them to follow the example of the saints, embracing commitment and hope so that the gifts of Easter—harmony and peace—may grow and flourish across the world.

The Easter Vigil, one of the most significant celebrations in the Christian calendar, marks the Resurrection of Christ and calls believers to renew their faith in the triumph of life over death.

Pope: Easter drives out hatred and brings down the mighty

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