the war on Ukraine refocused this Easter Sunday the message of the Pope Franciscowho also pleaded for peace in Jerusalem, after the upsurge in violence between Israelis and Palestinians, international media report.
In his Urbi et Orbi blessing, the Supreme Pontiff asked for “help to the beloved Ukrainian people” and “light” on the Russian people, while expressing his concern about the attacks and attacks in recent days in Israel and Palestine, refers the EFE agency.
“Open the hearts of the entire international community to work for the end of this war and all the conflicts that stain the world with blood, starting with Syria, which is still waiting for peace,” Francis told some 100,000 faithful gathered around the church. Saint Peter’s Square, points out the Spanish media that quotes the Vatican.
Francisco, recovered after being hospitalized for bronchitis, shared his message after the Easter Sunday mass from the balcony of the central loggia on the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica, reports the news office.
Convinced that a fragmented “Third World War” is being waged, he reviewed the conflicts that ravage the world and in which Nicaragua made the only mention of Latin America.
Like last year, he again pleaded for an end to the war in Ukraine a week after asking for an “Easter truce” in his Palm Sunday speech, something that was not achieved, he recalls. EFE.
“Help the beloved Ukrainian people on the path to peace and shed Easter light on the Russian people. Comfort the wounded and those who have lost their loved ones in the war, and make sure that the prisoners can return safely to their families,” he said this time.
In the Stations of the Cross on Friday, to which the pope did not go to protect himself from the cold at night, the Vatican included a message written by a young Ukrainian and another Russian in one of the fourteen meditations on the tour.
The Ukrainian recalled the exile of his family and the recruitment of his father, while the Russian claimed to speak with a “feeling of guilt” and regretted the loss of his brother, fallen in battle, but the gesture was protested by the embassy of Ukraine before the Holy See for “equating” both countries.
Israel, Palestine and the rest of the world
In his message, Francis also mentioned his concern about the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East after the escalation of violence in recent days.
«On this day we entrust to you, Lord, the city of Jerusalem, the first witness of your Resurrection. I express my deep concern about the attacks in recent days, which threaten the desired climate of trust and reciprocal respect, necessary to resume dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, so that peace reigns in the Holy City and in the entire region.” stated, quoted by EFE.
He also dedicated a few words to the victims of the February earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, where more than 55,000 people died, mostly from the Kurdistan region.
Libya, Tunisia, Haiti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, the Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique and Nigeria also appeared in his speech.
The pontiff only made reference to Latin America when he asked for the “Christian communities that celebrate Easter in particular circumstances, such as in Nicaragua,” reports the Spanish media.
“Comfort the refugees, deportees, political prisoners and immigrants, 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 pleaded. before granting plenary indulgence to those present.
Cuban bishops show solidarity with the Church and are expelled from Nicaragua
In the absence of the Angelus on Easter Monday, the Easter Sunday message closed the Holy Week celebration in the Vatican, organized under normal circumstances despite the fact that just a few days ago the pope was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome for a bronchitis.
The day after his departure, Francisco already participated in Palm Sunday and has presided over, although not officiated, all the acts except the Via Crucis at the Colosseum on Good Friday to protect himself from the cold at night, he points out. EFE.
“I would like to say to everyone, with joy in my heart: Happy Easter to all,” he concluded from the balcony of the imposing Saint Peter’s Basilica before a square packed with locals and tourists from all over the world, who carried the flags of Spain, Lebanon , Poland and Ukraine, among other places.
EFE / OnCuba
