“Happy Easter,” the 88-year-old Pope Francis in a weak voice from his wheelchair at the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, pronounced to the delight of tens of thousands of faithful and others in the flower-filled square.
Appearing in front of thousands of Catholic faithful at St Peter’s Square on Sunday for Easter, the Argentine pontiff traditionally delivers his “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) benediction from the balcony that overlooks St Peter’s Square, but he gave that task to a collaborator Sunday.
This is as Governors across the states have called on Nigerians to embrace unity, peace, and demonstrate love.
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However, the Pope condemned “worrisome” anti-Semitism, and the “deplorable” situation in Gaza.
Given his delicate health following treatment for pneumonia, it had not been certain whether the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics would be present, or if so, in what capacity.
Just beforehand, he had a brief private meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting Rome with his family.
“The meeting, which lasted a few minutes, gave the opportunity to exchange greetings on Easter Sunday,” wrote the Vatican in a brief statement, saying the encounter took place at the pope’s residence shortly before 11:30 local time (930 GMT).
Their meeting came months after a spat between Francis and the administration of US President Donald Trump over its anti-migrant policies.
Nigerian Governors preach peace and unity
As Christians across the world celebrate Easter, governors across the states have urged citizens to be inspired by the sacrifices of Jesus Christ.
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno described Easter as a season of sacrifice, hope, and redemption, representing love that is unconditional.
“This season also exemplifies the concept of selfless service, as captured in Matthew 20:28. ‘The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many,’” he said in his Easter broadcast.
Also, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his Easter message posted on X on Sunday, called on residents to embrace togetherness as a core part of their identity.
He also urged them to work together to impact the lives of those around them, their friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors, while contributing positively to the development of the state and Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu said, “Today, I wish all Lagosians and Christians around the world a blessed and joyful Easter.
“As we commemorate this special occasion, I urge you to embrace unity and togetherness as a core part of your identity.
“Let us work together to impact the lives of those around us, our friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors, while contributing positively to the development of our beloved Lagos State and Nigeria. May we embody the spirit of Jesus in all that we do.”
Similarly, his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, called on Christians to show selfless love and forgiveness.
He also urged them to “serve humanity with humility and grace”.
“As we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I extend my heartfelt Easter greetings to every Christian family across our dear state and nation,” Abiodun stated in his Easter message on X on Sunday.
He added, “This sacred season calls us to embody the spirit of Christ: to love selflessly, forgive freely, and serve humanity with humility and grace. Let us continue to pray for our state and our nation, trusting in God’s divine guidance and provision.
“May the joy and peace of Easter fill your hearts and homes. He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!”
In his Easter message posted on X, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, urged the Christian community to reflect on the “lessons, significance, and virtues of the Holy Week, including Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday”.
“The triumph of Jesus Christ in the face of adversity, which Easter symbolises, should drive our belief in God and the endless possibilities that come with having unshakeable faith in His power,” he said.
May the peace of the Risen Christ abide with us all! Today, we join others in the Body of Christ to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and His triumph over death as well as the assurance of hope for eternal life.
The governor added, “As we mark this season of love, sacrifice, and hope, I urge you, my dear people, to rest assured that we are working diligently to elevate our state to higher levels of growth and development by prioritizing you, our people, in all our endeavors.”
Meanwhile, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has said the lessons of the Easter celebrations must be imbibed by all believers, “especially those of sacrifice and love”.
In his goodwill message on Easter Sunday, signed by Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, he noted that the season calls for greater understanding and treating one another with decency and empathy, adding that the world would be a better place when citizens learn to bear one another’s burdens selflessly.
The governor stressed that “self-discipline and moderation in all matters are cornerstones of the Christian faith, noting that believers must strive to emulate our Lord Jesus Christ, “who endured the pains of the cross as the sacrificial lamb.”
