In an impromptu Easter Sunday speech, Pope Francis on Sunday encouraged people to hold fast in their “fearful hearts” to faith despite all the wars, sickness and hatred in the world, acknowledging that many wonder where God is amid so much evil and suffering. Tens of thousands of faithful braved heavy security checks — and later a brief downpour from what had been sunny skies — to enter St. Peter's Square, where Francis celebrated Mass on the steps leading to St. Peter's Basilica. Traditionally, the pope gives no homily during the late-morning Easter Mass, saving his reflections for the “Urbi et Orbi” a solemn message delivered “to the city and to the world” — at noon from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. “Nobody asks us: `But, are you happy with all that's happening in the world?' This is pretty, but it's not this, it's more than this,” Francis said, describing the day as an occasion to ponder the mystery of faith.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 16, 2017 10:47 UTC