The 2025 Easter Message of Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., offers encouragement and hope for a society confronted with global conflicts, economic instability, divisions, and erosion of international norms. Addressing the Catholic community in Hong Kong and beyond, he calls on us to rediscover the meaning of Easter—not merely as a historical event but as a living promise that speaks to our present moment.
At a time when fear and discouragement weigh heavily on many, the cardinal reminds us that Easter proclaims a bold truth: light triumphs over darkness, and hope endures even in the bleakest circumstances. The resurrection of Christ is not only a victory over death but a sign that God’s love continues to break through, offering new life to all who believe.
The cardinal speaks about how the poor and vulnerable suffer the most. Yet, he calls on us not to surrender to fear. “Let not the fear of death weaken us,” he writes, echoing the heart of the Easter message. Instead, we are invited to stand firm in faith, grounded in the hope that flows from the risen Christ. He recognises the fear that many carry in their hearts but encourages us not to give in to it.
The cardinal’s message also echoes the spirit of the Papal Bull, Spes non Confundit [Hope does not disappoint], declaring the Year of Jubilee 2025. The document calls on the global Church to embrace economic justice and compassion. Pope Francis urged wealthier nations to forgive the crushing debts of poorer countries—not as an optional act of charity but as a fundamental matter of justice. Every human being, the pope reminds us, deserves access to life’s essentials and the opportunity to thrive.
This moral vision comes at a time when the global economic order is under strain. Rising tariffs and trade tensions between major powers, such as the United States and China, risk destabilising fragile economies and worsening conditions for the world’s most vulnerable. The recent termination of USAID programmes and those supporting life-saving treatments, underscores how distant policy decisions can have life-or-death consequences for millions. Meanwhile, harsh immigration policies contradict the gospel call to welcome the stranger and protect the displaced.
In such a climate, the Church’s voice remains vital. Our faith cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. Forgiveness of debt, care for migrants, and support for the poor are not political preferences—they are expressions of the gospel. In a beautiful sign, this year, Christians in both East and West celebrate Easter on the same day—a small but powerful reminder that we are united in Christ.
As we celebrate Christ’s victory over death, let us carry this light of hope into our families, workplaces, and communities. May we approach the challenges before us not with fear but with the certainty that love ultimately triumphs over hatred, light over darkness, and life over death. Let us walk forward with hearts burning with hope. Christ is risen, alleluia! jose, CMF
