Pope Francis: Be messengers of hope

Pope Francis meets with inmates during his visit to the Regina Coeli penitentiary in Rome on Holy Thursday, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP, HO)

Pope Francis called on the faithful to reflect and become messengers and builders of hope “even as so many winds of death still buffet us.”

President Marcos, for his part, urged Filipinos to translate their faith into concrete actions as he highlighted the importance of love and compassion on Easter Sunday

“Whether through words, the small daily acts of compassion and love we show, our whole life can be a presence of hope, also for those who lack faith, have lost their way, or are overwhelmed with suffering through poverty or oppression,” he said during the Easter vigil.

The Pope particularly remembered the “many women who are humiliated and killed,” the unborn, children who are mistreated, and the victims of war.

In his homily read by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, during the Easter Vigil in Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Pope underscored how “the light of the Resurrection illumines our path one step at a time, breaking through the darkness of history and shining in our hearts.”

Cardinal Re presided over the Easter Vigil on behalf of Pope Francis who has been limiting his public activities as he continues recovery from his respiratory illnesses of recent months.

Before the celebration began, the Pope made a brief visit to the Saint Peter’s Basilica to spend some time in prayer and to be close to the faithful arriving for the Easter Vigil liturgy to be celebrated almost two hours later. Over five thousand devotees gathered in the Basilica and the square outside.

The light of the Resurrection helps us “to deal with the nights that dwell in our hearts and the shadows of death that so often loom over our world,” the Pope pointed out, since “in our earthly history the power of his Resurrection is still being brought to fulfilment.” And we are called to be part of that process, he said, entrusted to help that “small seed of light” be protected and grow.

The Pope acknowledged how death, violence and the dark shadows of evil in our world can weigh us down and obscure the light of hope, but “let us not lose heart, but return to the message of this night.”

“This message of renewed hope that fills our heart in celebrating the Risen Jesus should help us remember how we are in God’s hands who will help us overcome the dark nights in our lives.”

“In his great love, he will not let us falter, or allow evil to have the last word. At the same time, this hope, already fulfilled in Christ, remains for us a goal to be attained. Yet it has been entrusted to us so that we can bear credible witness to it, so that the Kingdom of God may find its way into the hearts of the women and men of our time.”

Action, compassion

Marcos said the triumph of Easter Sunday is not just a celebration filled with hope and aspiration for a better tomorrow, but also a testament to the victory of life over death, hope over despair, and light over darkness.

He described Easter as a clear and solemn affirmation that challenges are a means for reward, “that we, too, shall receive, through our faithfulness in doing the will of the Almighty.”

The President highlighted the importance of love and compassion.

“As wounded as He rises from the tomb, Jesus showed the world the power of His love that resonated through the ages and consistently invites us to bear compassion, forgiveness, and solidarity for our brethren,” he said.

However, Marcos stressed that mere celebration is not enough.

“To be true pilgrims of hope, it is not enough to say He is risen while leaving others buried—in debt, in hunger, and in silence,” he said.

“If Christ walked out of the tomb, then no one should remain sealed inside theirs,” he added.

The President emphasized that the Resurrection is not just a moment to celebrate, but is also a call to action. He called on Filipinos to work together for inclusive governance.

“The risen Christ does not rise alone, He invites us to rise with Him—through policies that heal, through laws that protect, and through governance that leaves no one behind,” he said.

“We must rise—not merely in belief, but in deeds, and not only in prayer, but in action,” he added.

Hope, renewal

Easter Sunday represents hope, renewal of values, and triumph over adversity, House Speaker Martin Romualdez reminded Filipinos.

“This Easter Sunday, we pause to honor a truth that lies at the center of our faith: even in our darkest moments, there is always the promise of renewal,” Romualdez said in his Easter message on April 20.

“The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not only a triumph over death but a reminder that no sorrow is final and no burden is carried alone,” added the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president and Leyte 1st district congressman.

“We see this truth reflected in the lives of our people. In the strength of families facing hardship, in the quiet resilience of those who keep going despite the odds, and in the everyday acts of kindness that often go unseen, we witness the grace that holds our nation together,” he added.

“True service is not defined by title or power, but by the ability to listen, to act with compassion, and to place the needs of others above personal interest. It is in these quiet acts of duty that the spirit of public service is fully realized,” he reminded public servants.

Redemption will prevail

Department of National Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds the Filipinos that “hope and redemption will prevail, even in the face of hardship and despair.”

“It is a symbol of triumph, guiding us through challenges with the promise of better days ahead,” he noted.

Further, he said that Easter Sunday is “a time of life, renewal, and the reaffirmation of faith.”

The defense chief also took the opportunity on the day of reflection and thanksgiving to honor the selfless service of the men and women who continue to defend the nation’s peace and sovereignty.

‘Walk into the light’

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David called on Filipinos to step out of hiding and actively seek truth and hope, using the “salubong” ritual as a powerful symbol of spiritual awakening, during his Easter Sunday homily on April 20.

Addressing a crowd of parishioners at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Malabon City, David reflected on the Filipino tradition of “salubong,” a pre-dawn ritual that symbolizes the encounter between the risen Christ and the grieving Mary.

He said the closest English translation for “salubong” could be “to meet, to seek, and to welcome with open arms and longing.”

“If you truly wish to meet the Risen Lord, you have to step out. You have to come out of hiding. You have to walk into the light,” he said.

David, who is also the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), explained that the salubong serves as a reminder to move beyond sorrow and embrace the light of Christ.

“How can we recognize leaders who genuinely care for our people, when we allow our eyes to be blinded by ayuda (aid)? When we mistake propaganda and viral posts on social media for truth? When our hearts are full of resentment and anger, how can we see hope? When we allow bitterness to fester, how can light break in?” he asked.

David pointed out the need for guidance, especially among the youth, to stay grounded in truth and purpose. (With reports from Argyll Cyrus Geducos, Ellson Quismorio, Martin Sadongdong, Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz, and Vatican News)