Vatican City: During the Good Friday liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at St Peter’s Basilica, the preacher of the papal household, Fr Roberto Pasolini, delivered a powerful reflection on the suffering of Jesus and its meaning for today’s world.
The celebration was presided over by Pope Leo XIV as part of the Holy Week observances at the Vatican.
In his homily, Fr Pasolini reflected on how Jesus fulfilled the ancient prophecies of the suffering servant. He explained that Jesus fully trusted in God even in moments of pain, rejection and apparent failure. He said that many people today also feel discouraged when their good efforts do not bring visible results, but this does not mean that their actions have no value.
The preacher highlighted that the world often responds to evil in two ways, either by giving up or by seeking revenge. However, he said that Jesus chose a different path by accepting suffering without returning hatred. Through this, he broke the cycle of violence and opened a new way based on love and forgiveness.
Fr Pasolini also reminded the faithful that true strength is not shown through power or control, but through the ability to love, forgive and remain faithful even in difficult situations. He described the Cross as a place where people can learn the meaning of self giving love.
He pointed to ordinary people who quietly serve others every day as examples of how the mission of Christ continues in the world. These silent acts of goodness, he said, are signs of hope in a world often marked by conflict and division.
The homily also spoke about the current global situation, where wars and tensions continue to affect many regions. Fr Pasolini warned that humanity sometimes loses its sense of direction, but hope remains alive wherever people choose compassion and truth.
He stressed that the world cannot be saved by power, wealth or political strength, but by people who live with love, patience and forgiveness in their daily lives.
The Good Friday celebration at the Vatican brought together thousands of faithful, all reflecting on the Passion of Christ and its message of hope, sacrifice and renewal for the world today.