Pope Leo XIV on Easter Monday urged Christians to bear witness to the Gospel in a world shaped by misinformation, conflict, and social deprivation.
Speaking during the Regina Caeli prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope reflected on the Gospel account of the empty tomb, highlighting how a single event gave rise to contrasting interpretations, one proclaiming the Resurrection and another denying it.
According to Vatican News, the Pope said this contrast remains relevant today, as the communication of truth is often obscured.
“Often, the proclamation of truth is obscured by what we today call ‘fake news’ lies, insinuations, and unfounded accusations,” he said.
Pope Leo emphasized the need for the Gospel message to reach those “oppressed by evil that corrupts history and confuses consciences,” so that the Paschal mystery may “give a new voice to hope” both in word and action, Vatican News reported.
Despite widespread confusion, he stressed that truth endures. Recalling the words of Jesus, “Do not be afraid; go and tell,” the Pope said this remains a guiding call for Christian witness.
He pointed to the suffering of people affected by war, Christians persecuted for their faith, and children deprived of education as urgent contexts where hope must be proclaimed. “To proclaim the Paschal mystery of Christ in both word and deed means to give a new voice to hope,” he said, noting that such hope is often “stifled by the hands of the violent,” as reported by Vatican News.
The Pope added that wherever the Gospel is lived and proclaimed, it brings light amid darkness and restores meaning in times of confusion.
At the conclusion of his address, Pope Leo invited the faithful to remember with gratitude Pope Francis, marking the anniversary of his death on Easter Monday last year. He praised his predecessor’s witness of faith and love and entrusted the Church to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
“Let us pray that we may become ever more radiant heralds of the truth,” he said.
Following the prayer, the Pope also highlighted the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, noting the role of sport in promoting inclusion, solidarity, and peace. He renewed his call for sport to serve as a universal language that fosters fraternity among people.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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