Pope Francis presides over the Holy Day of Easter Mass in St Peter’s Square. (file)
Vatican City:
Pope Francis appeared to ask Russians to seek the truth about his country’s invasion of Ukraine in his Easter message to the world on Sunday and called for talks between Israel and the Palestinians after recent violence.
Pope Francis, 86, presided over an Easter Day mass in St Peter’s Square as a precaution after being hospitalized for bronchitis in late March due to the unseasonal cold.
A carpet of 38,000 flowers donated by the Netherlands decorated the square for the most important and joyous date in the church’s liturgical calendar – commemorating the day Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead . Honor units of the Vatican Swiss Guards and the Italian Carabinieri police – both in formal dress – stood at attention.
But traditional fanfare and solemn singing gave way to modern realities. Francis later went up to the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to deliver his twice-annual “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) message and blessing, addressing a crowd estimated at around 100,000 at the Vatican.
There, from the same spot where he first appeared before the world on the night of his election as pope in 2013, he spoke of “the darkness and gloom in which, too often, our world envelops itself”, and of prayer for peace. Lord for.
“Help the Ukrainian people on their journey towards peace and shine the light of Easter on the people of Russia,” he said.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, the Pope has referred to Ukraine and its people as being “martyrs” at least twice a week and to describe Russia’s actions as aggression and tyranny. words have been used.
On Sunday he asked God to “comfort the wounded and all those who lost their loved ones due to the war, and to grant the prisoners to return safe and sound to their families. To try to end this war.” Open the hearts of the entire international community.” And all the strife and bloodshed in our world.”
As he has done every Easter, Francis called for peace in the Middle East, his appeal made more urgent by recent violence in Jerusalem and cross-border exchanges of fire in Israel, Lebanon and Syria.
“On this day, Lord, we entrust to You the city of Jerusalem, the first witness to Your resurrection. I express my deep concern at the attacks of these past few days that threaten the expected atmosphere of trust and mutual respect that Israelis need and resume negotiations between Palestinians, so that peace can prevail in the Holy City and throughout the region.”
Israeli-Palestinian tensions have risen sharply since last week’s Israeli police raid on the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, which sparked outrage across the Arab world.
troubled spot
Between Mass and his reading of the message, Francis, appearing in fine form, was driven around the square and down the main boulevard towards the Tiber River in a popemobile so more people could see him.
In his message, Francis also referred to instability in Lebanon, expressed hope that Myanmar’s “martyred Rohingya people” could “get justice”, and called for more aid for victims of the earthquake in February, with Turkey and About 56,000 people were killed in Syria.
In a part of the address where he mentioned Nicaragua, the Pope asked God to “remember all those who have been prevented from freely and publicly professing their faith”.
Relations between the government and the Catholic Church in Nicaragua are deeply strained. The government, which has suspended diplomatic relations with the Vatican, has banned outdoor Holy Week processions this year.
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