Easter at the Vatican is said to be one of the most incredible spiritual journeys a Catholic can take, and it seems that every year, the Vatican receives a little more worldwide attention from the nations mentioned in the Pope’s address.
For Catholics, Easter at the Vatican represents the epitome of Catholic leadership, and millions of Catholics worldwide strain to hear every word that comes from the mouth of the Pope. As Pope John Paul II’s health waned, his addresses were considerably shortened. In his final year, he could only muster a hand-waved blessing to his flock, just days before passing away.
A great number of Catholics and Christians firmly believe that Easter is, in fact, the holiest day of the year, commemorating the day Jesus rose to the right hand of God. Despite its dwindling significance in less religious circles, the devout still hold it higher than Christmas or any other day of the year. There was immense grief when Pope John Paul II died so close to this sacred day. Some even reported feeling a sense of abandonment.
The Continuing Tradition of Easter at the Vatican
Regardless, tradition continued with a new Pope, and once again, the state of the world was addressed in massive prayer at the Vatican, following a long Saturday night vigil led by the Pope well past midnight. His voice, once again, united the faith as he addressed political issues of the nation and vehemently argued for peace among men. The mass, which held a live audience of over 100,000 faithful packed into St. Peter’s Square, denounced violence, prayed for peace and resolution, and offered the archdiocese’s condolences for victims of senseless violence.
Naturally, an event like this is bound to draw critics. Some focused on the Mass as the Catholic Church’s podium for social politics. Some believe that the Catholic Mass should focus solely on Catholic issues rather than address the nation as a political power. This feeling is not only held in nations where Catholicism is a large minority but also reaches into the United States and among “Progressive Catholics” who support the separation of church and state. Some feel it is inappropriate for any religious figure to comment on the political state of the world during a holy address.
Regardless of public opinion for or against the Pope’s Easter address, it is a long-held tradition that is unlikely to die in the near future. In fact, it is gaining popularity among Catholics today. With the naming of a new Pope after Pope John Paul II’s passing, many have returned to the Easter service to hear the thoughts of the new Pope and to support him just as they did Pope John Paul II. Some feel that Pope Benedict XVI has big shoes to fill, and concerns have been expressed about his more controversial statements. The traditional papal address, known as the message “to the city and to the world,” is a tradition that has offered people hope, celebration, honor, and grounding since the very first papal address and will likely continue for centuries to come.
Religious tradition, regardless of denomination, is rooted in strong values and ritualized customs. For thousands of years, religious tradition has carried people to new heights of honor or destruction, depending on how leadership chooses to wield the power entrusted to them. Easter at the Vatican is a tradition that creates, for the devout, a miraculous day of celebration and a sense of community under strong leadership.
Throughout some of the most deeply devout traditions held throughout the world, Catholics look to the Vatican to honor their holy work and validate their sacred mission. Papal influence can be felt from the largest, most magnificent churches to the smallest, most humble ones. There is no denying the Pope’s rightful place in the hearts of the Catholic people, and their honor in being one of the hundred thousand to hear his yearly address. Year after year, Easter at the Vatican represents a tradition that the people would truly suffer without.
