During his Regina Caeli address on Easter Monday, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the women at the tomb of the risen Christ as models of Christian witness, urging the faithful to proclaim the truth of the Resurrection and bring hope in a world often clouded by falsehood.
The Pontiff said that the women’s description of the tomb contrasts with the guards who had been bribed by the Sanhedrin. While the women proclaimed Christ’s Resurrection, the guards maintained that Jesus’ body had been stolen.
“From the same fact — the empty tomb — two interpretations arise: one a source of new and eternal life, the other of certain and definitive death,” Pope Leo noted.
He said that the contrast highlights “the value of Christian witness and the integrity of human communication.”
“Often, the proclamation of truth is obscured by what we today call ‘fake news’ — lies, insinuations, and unfounded accusations,” he continued. “Yet, in the face of such obstacles, the truth does not remain hidden; rather, it comes forth to meet us, living and radiant, illuminating even the deepest darkness.”
Pope Leo said that Jesus’ message to the women after the Resurrection — “Do not be afraid; go and tell” — carries a responsibility for the faithful today as well. He stressed that the Gospel message must reach “those oppressed by the evil that corrupts history and confuses consciences!” He especially highlighted people in countries affected by war, Christian persecution, and lack of education.
“To proclaim the Paschal mystery of Christ in both word and deed means to give a new voice to hope — a hope otherwise stifled by the hands of the violent,” he continued. “Wherever it is proclaimed, the Good News sheds light upon every shadow, in every age.”
Pope Leo concluded by remembering Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday last year.
“As we recall his profound witness of faith and love,” he said, “let us pray together to the Virgin Mary, Seat of Wisdom, that we may become ever more radiant heralds of the truth.”
After the Regina Caeli, the Pontiff greeted pilgrims who traveled to Rome for Easter, thanked those who sent him Easter greetings, and asked for continued prayers for peace in the world.