Sadness and Hope

This Easter season, we find ourselves caught between hope and sadness.

Hope because Christ is risen, but sadness because we have farewelled Pope Francis, the Pope of Mercy, whose life and final blessing pointed us again to the heart of the Gospel.

On Easter Sunday, even though he was frail, Pope Francis found the strength to offer his final Urbi et Orbi blessing, a blessing “to the city and to the world."

He reminded us that the Resurrection is the foundation of true hope: "Hope does not disappoint! Spes non confundit!"

This is not wishful thinking. It is the promise that through Christ’s victory over death, life and love will always have the final word.

At Easter, we also hear the story of Peter, the Rock, who denied knowing Jesus three times, and yet is met with forgiveness, not condemnation.

The risen Jesus simply asks him, "Do you love me?"

And Peter answers, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you,"

Peter is then sent out to feed and tend the flock.

Peter’s failure wasn't the end of the story.

It was love, not perfection, that restored him.

It is the same for us. Easter calls us to trust in God’s mercy, to stand up again, and to follow Christ with renewed hearts.

Pope Francis lived that journey.

He called the Church to be a "field hospital,” to be close to the wounded, open to all, but especially those on the margins, never tiring of showing mercy.

Even in his final Easter message, he urged the world to reject violence and hatred, and to be builders of peace and hope.

As we continue this Year of Jubilee, a year for Pilgrims of Hope, we are invited to live mercy, proclaim freedom, and trust that God’s love is bigger than our fears.

The last image we have of Pope Francis is him blessing us from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica — a shepherd pouring out everything he had for those he served.

Now, as the Cardinals gather in Rome to pray and discern who will lead us next, we ask the Holy Spirit to guide them.

May the Church continue to be a beacon of faith, hope, and love for the world.

And may we, too, walk as Pilgrims of Hope, carrying Christ’s light into every place we go.