The Pope has asked the international community for “efforts” to put an end to “all the conflicts that bloody the world” while urging to “overcome conflicts and divisions” after the blessing ‘Urbi et Orbi’, to the city and to the world, which the pontiff gives twice a year at the end of Holy Week and at Christmas.
“Open the hearts of the entire international community to strive to end this war and all the conflicts that bloody the world. Let us hasten to overcome conflicts and divisions, and open our hearts to those who need it most. Let us hasten to travel paths of peace and fraternity”, Francisco declared, leaning out on the balcony of the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica before some 100,000 faithful.
As usual, the Pope took advantage of the apostolic blessing to list the open conflicts in the world beginning with the war in Ukraine: “Help the beloved Ukrainian people on the path to peace and infuse the paschal light on the Russian people. Comfort to the wounded and to those who have lost their loved ones because of the war, and make sure that the prisoners can return safely to their families”.
Thus, he recalled the war situation in Syria “which is still waiting for peace” and has urged support for “those who have been affected by the violent earthquake in Turkey” and in this country, as well as those who “have lost family and friends, and they were left homeless. The pontiff has shown his concern about the situation in the Holy Land “due to the attacks in recent days, which threaten the desired climate of trust and mutual respect” and has asked that the parties resume “dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, so that May peace reign in the Holy City and in the entire region”. It has also been agreed that Lebanon is still “in search of stability and unity, so that it can overcome divisions and all citizens work together for the common good of the country.” “Do not forget the dear people of Tunisia, especially the young and those who suffer from social and economic problems, so that they do not lose hope and collaborate in building a future of peace and brotherhood”, he said. reclaimed.
The Pope referred to Haiti “which has been suffering for several years from a serious socio-political and humanitarian crisis, and supports the efforts of political actors and the international community in the search for a definitive solution to the numerous problems that afflict that such a troubled population. Likewise, he has urged the consolidation of “the peace and reconciliation processes undertaken in Ethiopia and South Sudan” and has called for an end to “the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
On the other hand, he also remembered the situation of Christians in Nicaragua, where the government has prohibited the Catholic Church from celebrating the processions of the Via Crucis during Holy Week: “Support, Lord, the Christian communities that today celebrate Easter in particular circumstances, such as in Nicaragua and Eritrea, and remember all those who are prevented from freely and publicly professing their faith”. In the same way, he has asked for consolation for “the victims of international terrorism, especially in Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique and Nigeria” and has demanded that Myanmar follow “paths of peace” and that “the hearts of those responsible be enlightened so that the martyred Rohingya find justice”.
“Comfort refugees, deportees, political prisoners and migrants, especially the most vulnerable, as well as all those who suffer from hunger, poverty and the harmful effects of drug trafficking, human trafficking and all forms of slavery,” he said. Finally, he asked the heads of nations that “no man or woman be discriminated against and trampled on in their dignity; so that in full respect for human rights and democracy these social wounds are healed, always and only the good is sought.” of citizens, guarantee security and the necessary conditions for dialogue and peaceful coexistence”.
The Pope presided this Easter Sunday at the mass that commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord. The Eucharist began as usual with the traditional rite of the “Resurrexit” in which two deacons opened an ancient icon representing Christ and the Holy Father prayed before it. Next, Pope Francis performed the rite of sprinkling holy water on the faithful.
After the readings, the Easter sequence was sung and the proclamation of the Gospel was sung first in Latin and then in Greek. Pope Francis did not deliver any homily and remained silent in prayer as he later delivered his Easter message. Before the apostolic blessing of the Urbi et Orbi, the pontiff toured Saint Peter’s Square in the popemobile to greet the faithful who were gathered there.
