The war in Ukraine once again focused on this Easter Sunday the message of Pope Francis, who in his Urbi et Orbi blessing asked for “help to the beloved Ukrainian people”, “light” on the Russian people and was “concerned” by the resurgence of violence between Israel and Palestine.
“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, beginning with Syria, which is still waiting for peace,” the pontiff told some 100,000 faithful gathered around St. Peter’s Square, according to 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 Saint Peter’s Basilica.
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Convinced that a fragmented “World War III” is being waged, He reviewed the conflicts that ravage the world and in which Nicaragua made the only mention of Latin America.
like the year In the past, he again pleaded for an end to the war in Ukraine a week after calling for an “Easter truce” in his Palm Sunday speech, something that was not achieved.
“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.
On the Via Crucis on Friday, to which the Pope did not go to protect himself from the night cold, the Vatican included a message written by a young Ukrainian and another Russian in one of the fourteen meditations on the tour.
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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.
“Concerned about Israel and Palestine”
Francis mentioned their 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 over the attacks in recent days, which threaten the desired climate of trust and mutual respect, necessary to resume dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, so that peace reigns in the Holy City and in the entire region.” Indian.
In addition, dedicated a few words to the victims of the February earthquakes in Turkey and Syriawhere more than 55,000 people were killed, mostly from the Kurdistan region.
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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 “Christian communities that celebrate Easter in particular circumstances, such as in Nicaragua.”
“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.