\u201cIt is through the Eucharist that even our hands become \u2018hands of the Risen One,’\u201d the pope said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Sunday Eucharist is indispensable for Christian life,\u201d Pope Leo XIV said before reciting the Marian prayer of the Regina Caeli on April 12 in St. Peter\u02bcs Square.<\/p>\n
Speaking to crowds gathered in the square, the pope noted his upcoming departure for Africa, where \u201csome martyrs of the early African Church, the Martyrs of Abitene, have left us a beautiful testimony in this regard.” <\/p>\n
“Faced with the offer to save their lives on the condition that they renounce celebrating the Eucharist, they replied that they could not live without celebrating the Lord\u2019s Day. It is there that our faith is nourished and grows,\u201d the Holy Father said. <\/p>\n
\u201cBecause it is through the Eucharist that even our hands become \u2018hands of the Risen One,\u2019 witnesses of his presence, of his mercy, and of his peace, in the signs of work, of sacrifices, of illness, and of the passing of the years, which are often engraved upon them \u2014 just as in the tenderness of a caress, a handshake, or a gesture of charity,” he said. <\/p>\n
In his commentary on the April 12 Gospel for the second Sunday of Easter \u2014 dedicated by Pope John Paul II to divine mercy \u2014 the pope spoke about the faithful\u02bcs encounter with Jesus: \u201cWhere can we find him? How can we recognize him? How can we believe?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCertainly, it is not always easy to believe. It was not easy for Thomas, and it is not easy for us either. Faith needs to be nourished and supported. For this reason, on the \u2018eighth day,\u2019 that is, every Sunday, the Church invites us to do as the first disciples did: to gather together and celebrate the Eucharist as one,” he said.<\/p>\n
The pope concluded: \u201cIn a world that is in such great need of peace, this commits us more than ever to be assiduous and faithful in our Eucharistic encounter with the Risen Lord, so that we may depart from it as witnesses of charity and bearers of reconciliation.” <\/p>\n
\u201cMay the Virgin Mary help us to do this \u2014 she who is blessed because she was the first to believe without seeing,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
After the prayer, Pope Leo XIV returned to the theme of peace. Recalling the Easter celebration of the Orthodox Churches, he said: \u201cI accompany those communities with even more intense prayer for all those who suffer because of the war, in particular for the dear people of Ukraine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMay the light of Christ bring comfort to afflicted hearts and strengthen the hope of peace. May the attention of the international community toward the drama of this war not diminish. I am also more than ever close to the beloved people of Lebanon in these days of sorrow, fear, and invincible hope in God.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe principle of humanity, inscribed in the conscience of every person and recognized in international law, entails the moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war. I appeal to the conflicting parties to cease fire and to urgently seek a peaceful solution,” he said. <\/p>\n
Next Wednesday marks three years since the beginning of the bloody conflict in Sudan. \u201cHow much the Sudanese people are suffering \u2014 innocent victims of this inhuman tragedy!\u201c the pope said. \u201dI renew my heartfelt appeal to the warring parties to silence the weapons and to begin, without preconditions, a sincere dialogue aimed at ending as soon as possible this fratricidal war.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope then greeted everyone: \u201cI extend a warm welcome to all of you, Romans and pilgrims, especially to the faithful who have celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday at the Shrine of Santo Spirito in Sassia.\u201d<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n