𝐏𝐌 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐢 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥

New Delhi, April 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed Easter wishes to people across India and the world, describing the occasion as one of hope, renewal, and harmony. In a post on social media platform X, he stated: “Wishing everyone a blessed and joyous Easter. This Easter is special because, world over, the Jubilee Year is being observed with immense fervor. May this sacred occasion inspire hope, renewal and compassion in every person. May there be joy and harmony all around.”

Easter celebrations were held across India with devotion and festive cheer, especially in states with large Christian populations like Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, and those in the northeast. Churches hosted midnight vigils and sunrise services, featuring prayers, hymns, and gatherings. Many communities also used the day to engage in charitable acts, echoing Easter’s central message of renewal and hope.

Globally, Easter was marked with reverence, including in the Vatican, where over 5,000 worshippers gathered in and around Saint Peter’s Basilica for the Easter Vigil. While Pope Francis did not lead the Mass due to ongoing recovery from a respiratory illness, he made a brief appearance before the prayer service to greet those assembled.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, led the service and delivered the homily. In a message read on the Pope’s behalf, Francis spoke of the Resurrection’s light guiding people step by step through uncertainty, offering reassurance and inspiration amid life’s challenges.