Pope Francis: Be messengers of hope

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."

- By ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

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.