Vatican. Pope Francis came unexpectedly to the Basilica of Saint Peter, he was missing in the main ceremony

On Holy Saturday in the Vatican, the Mass of Paschal Christmas Eve was held. The homily was prepared by Pope Francis, but he was not present in the liturgy because he undergoes convalescence after a long stay in the hospital. Earlier, however, the Pope unexpectedly came to the Basilica of Saint Peter.

Pope Francis He appeared in the Vatican Basilica for less than two hours before the Mass of Easter Vigil, which as his delegate was celebrated by the dean of the Cardinal College of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

The Pope greeted the faithful gathered there, among others from the United States.

Earlier, the Vatican press office told journalists that the Pope would like to be present on Sunday of the Resurrection at noon during the blessing of Urbi et orbi (city and world). Cardinal Angelo Comastri celebrates the morning mass at Saint Peter's Square with the participation of thousands of faithful.

Pope's homily

The Pope also prepared a homily, which was read by Cardinal Battista during the Mass of Paschal Christmas Eve.

The mass began in the vestibule of the Basilica of Saint Peter from the rite of dedication of fire and passage inflammation – a candle symbolizing the risen Christ.

The Pope referred to this in his homily. “There is a night when the paschal candle is slowly approaching the altar. It is night when the singing of the hymn opens our hearts to a joyful elation, because the earth is radiant with such immeasurable glow,” he wrote.

“Paschal Christmas Eve reminds us that the Light of the Resurrection illuminates the way step by step, without the hustle and bustle penetrates the darkness of history, discreetly brightens in our hearts. And he is liked by the humble faith, devoid of any triumphalism,” wrote Franciszek. As he noted, “the Lord's Passover is not a spectacular event that God affirms himself and obliges to believe in Him.” “The resurrection is similar to the small seeds of light, which pave their way gradually, without making noise, sometimes still threatened overnight and disbelief” – added the pope.

Franciszek: Easter brings good news

Francis called: “Let the Hope of Easter be germinating in our lives and in the world. When we still feel the burden of death in our hearts, when we see how the darkness of evil continues their noisy march through the world, when we feel the wounds of egoism or violence burning in our body and in our society, let's not lose spirit.”

“Light is slowly shining, even if we are in the dark,” he added.

“In the Risen Jesus, we are sure that our personal history and path of humanity, although still immersed at night, in which the lights seem overshadowed, are in the hands of God”, which will not allow the last word to belong to evil – noted the pope.

“Easter brings good news: that although it seems to be getting worse in the world, evil has already been defeated. Let's make a place for the Risen Light, and we will become a hoping for the world” – called Franciszek.