Pope Francis took the Easter holiday to ask Catholics to reject wealth, pride, prosperity, pleasure and turn to God.
The pontiff carried a lit candle down the aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday as congregants chanting “light of Christ” in Latin. When the pontiff reached the altar, the lights switched on, and he led the Catholic world into Easter with the vigil.
In his homily, Pope Francis asked Catholics to stop looking “for the meaning of life in things that pass away” and return to God.
“The glitter of wealth, career, pride and pleasure” are fleeting, the pope said.
The pope’s homily comes on the heels of the devastating fire at Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. Already, several French billionaires and major companies have pledged more than $1 billion to rebuild the historic and religious landmark.
Critics of these donations say that if billionaires such as François-Henri Pinault and Bernard Arnault chose, they could improve people’s lives.
France has seen class tension recently, with protests aimed at President Emmanuel Macron. Many believe the Macron could do more to remedy stark income inequality in France, a social issue that many French citizens believe is getting worse.
