Pope Leo XIV led a solemn yet hopeful Easter vigil on Saturday night, marking his inaugural service as pope during Christianity’s most celebrated event. As he moved through the dimly lit St. Peter’s Basilica, holding a tall, lit candle, he called for Easter to inspire unity and peace in a world fractured by conflict.

Easter, a cornerstone of Christian faith, commemorates the resurrection of Christ, symbolizing victory over death following his crucifixion.

Before entering the basilica, Pope Leo lit the candle, proclaiming, “The light of Christ who rises in glory.”

As he proceeded down the central aisle, candle bearers paused to ignite the candles of those in attendance, gradually illuminating the vast basilica. The flickering lights created a serene and sacred atmosphere, culminating in the full brightness as Pope Leo reached the baroque main altar, accompanied by cardinals dressed in white.

In his homily, Pope Leo spoke of sin as a “heavy barrier” that distances humanity from God, attempting to extinguish hope. He compared sin to the stone that sealed Jesus’ tomb, which was rolled away to reveal His resurrection.

The pope emphasized that today’s sins, much like the stone, need to be removed, noting that some are “so heavy and so closely guarded that they seem to be immovable.”

“Some weigh heavily on the human heart, such as mistrust, fear, selfishness and resentment; others stemming from these inner struggles, sever the bonds between us through war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations.

“Let us not allow ourselves to be paralyzed by them!” the pope said, calling on the faithful to make a commitment “so that the Easter gifts of harmony and peace may grow and flourish everywhere and always throughout the world.’’

With the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in its second month and Russia’s ongoing campaign in Ukraine, Leo has repeatedly called for a halt in hostilities.

On Palm Sunday, he said that God doesn’t listen to the prayers of those who make war or cite God to justify their violence,

As is tradition, Leo baptized 10 adults from all over the world during the Mass.

During Leo’s first Holy Week, which is notoriously demanding, the pontiff carried the cross for the entire 14 stations during the Way of the Cross on Good Friday, the first time a pope has done so for decades.

On Holy Thursday, he washed the feet of 12 priests in the traditional Holy Thursday ritual, restoring a tradition his predecessor Pope Francis had broken by including laypeople and non-Christians.

On Sunday morning, Leo will celebrate an open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square before delivering his Easter message and offer the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message “to the city (of Rome) and the world,” which acts as a summary of the world’s woes.