Following is the text of the Easter Message by Bishop Bishop Paolo Martinelli inviting the faithful to rejoice, and stressing that the Resurrection assures us that evil and death have not the final word, dated March 4, 2026:

Dear brothers and sisters,
Peace be with all of you!

With the greeting of the Risen Lord, I extend to all of you my heartfelt wishes for a joyful Easter. The proclamation of the victory over death and evil resounds in our hearts and throughout the world: Christ is risen!

We arrive at this day after a Lent marked by the outbreak of a new war affecting our countries. Pope Leo has repeatedly called for peace in the region, making us feel his closeness. We also thank the local authorities for ensuring our safety.

In these weeks, we have remained united in prayer and experienced everyone’s solidarity. The Lord has accompanied us through the desert, and Our Lady has watched over us with her maternal care.

Today we celebrate Christ’s victory over death and evil. His battle is not against human armies: the true enemy is evil itself. At Easter, love and mercy are revealed in all their power. The Resurrection is the assurance that evil and death do not have the final word.

Love conquers! Forgiveness conquers! Life begins anew on Easter morning!
Nothing can ever separate us from the love of Christ—we belong to him!

This is why, on Easter, we remember our Baptism, through which we participate in His death and resurrection. As a baptized people, we walk together, committed to promoting the good of all, alongside all people of goodwill, so that the Kingdom of God may come soon.

Dear friends, I wish you a peaceful and joyful Easter! May the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts, in your families, and in your communities!

Let us pray with the words of Saint Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

Christ is risen! He is truly risen! Alleluia!