Easter Celebrations: Pope Francis prays for both Ukrainian and Russian peoples in an Easter message highlighting hope, praising countries that have welcomed refugees and Israelis devastated by the latest escalation in deadly violence for creating an “climate of faith” And called upon the Palestinians.
Francis, accompanied by dozens of bishops and thousands of faithful, celebrated Easter Mass in flower-bedecked St Peter’s Square, reaffirming the Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead days after his crucifixion.
The 86-year-old pontiff topped off the ceremony with a traditional speech about troubled places in the world.
Encouraging “faith among individuals, peoples and nations”, Francis said the joy of Easter “illuminates the darkness and gloom in which, too often, our world finds itself enveloped.”
Pope has repeatedly appealed for peace in Ukraine
The Pope’s Easter message is known by its Latin name, “Urbi et Orbi,” which means “To the city and the world.” Since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine in February 2022, Francis has repeatedly called for an end to the fighting and sought prayer for the “martyr” Ukrainian people.
Ukrainian diplomats have complained that they have not come down hard enough in their statements on Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin in particular as the Vatican tries to avoid isolating Moscow.
“Help the beloved Ukrainian people in their journey towards peace, and shine the light of Easter on the people of Russia,” Francis prayed to God in his Easter speech, which he delivered while sitting in a chair on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Had given. facing the square. “Comfort the wounded and all who have lost their loved ones because of the war, and grant that the prisoners may return safe and sound to their families.”
Pope urges international community to act collectively on Ukraine war
He urged the international community to work to end the war in Ukraine and “all the conflict and bloodshed in the world, starting with Syria, which is still waiting for peace.” Francis also prayed for those who lost loved ones in the earthquakes that struck Syria and Turkey two months ago, which claimed thousands of lives.
With a renewal in deadly violence affecting both Israelis and Palestinians in recent days, Francis called for the “resumption of dialogue” between Israelis and Palestinians in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect, so that the Holy City and the Holy City May peace prevail. whole area,” a reference to Jerusalem.
But Francis also noted progress on some fronts. “Let us rejoice in the concrete signs of hope that have reached us from so many countries, which offer assistance and welcome all those fleeing war and poverty,” he said without naming any specific nation. How to care for asylum seekers, migrants and refugees, and whether they should be allowed entry, is a fierce political and social debate in Europe as well as in the United States and elsewhere.
Discrimination
Francis also prayed that national leaders would “ensure that no man or woman faces discrimination” and have “full respect for human rights and democracy”.
With migrants risking their lives in smugglers’ boats in the hope of reaching Europe, the Pope lamented that Tunisians, especially the youth, continue to suffer social and economic hardships.
Over the past two weeks, dozens have been killed or gone missing trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Tunisia.
The Pope included Lebanon and the two African countries he visited this year – South Sudan and the Congo – among nations that needed to end division and build reconciliation.
Talking about Haiti, he appealed to “political actors and the international community to seek a definitive solution to the many problems that plague the people.” The bloody conflict cited by Francis contrasts with the riot of bright colors given off by the orange-red tulips, yellow sprays of forsythia and daffodils, hyacinths and other colorful seasonal flowers that decorate St Peter’s Square. The blooms were brought in by the truckload from the Netherlands.
By the end of the Pope’s appearance, according to the Vatican’s crowd count, some 100,00 people had gathered in the square for the pontiff’s speech.
A canopy at the edge of the steps on the square sheltered the pontiff, who was back in the public eye for Mass 12 hours after the 2.25-hour-long Easter vigil ceremony the night before in St Peter’s Basilica.
Francis was hospitalized from March 29 to April 1 for treatment of bronchitis. Still recovering, he skipped the traditional Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum because of unseasonably cold night temperatures.
Near the end of his more than two-hour-long Easter Sunday appearance, Francis seemed to be running out of steam. His voice became hoarse and he interrupted his speech at one point to cough.
Yet he made several rounds through the square in the popemobile after Mass, waving and smiling at well-wishers.
(with inputs from AP)