Pope Francis decries ‘icy winds of war’ at Easter Vigil

Pope Francis celebrated the festive Easter Vigil commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Holy Saturday.

According to Italy’s ANSA news agency, around 8,000 spectators attended the celebration.

In his homily, the Pope condemned the “icy winds of war” and the “rampant injustice” that he said prevailed in the world.

However, the Pope said Easter inspires people and gives them hope.

“It motivates us to move forward, to leave behind the sense of defeat, and to look to the future with confidence because Christ is risen and has changed the course of history,” the pontiff said.

Pope, who was in the hospital because of bronchitis last week and suffered from a knee condition, approached the altar in a wheelchair and remained seated throughout the Mass.

He baptised eight adults during the Mass, three people from Albania, two from the United States and one from Italy, Nigeria and Venezuela.

Pope is expected to celebrate the Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday morning.