Status: 04/09/2023 1:14 p.m
In bright sunshine, around 45,000 believers celebrated Easter Mass with the Pope on St. Peter’s Square in Rome. Then Francis donated the blessing “Urbi et Orbi” – and prayed for Ukrainians and Russians.
At the climax of the Easter celebrations, Pope Francis celebrated the great Easter Sunday mass in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. The head of the Catholic Church officially presided over the traditional Easter Mass, but it was celebrated by Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.
Around 45,000 believers gathered on the forecourt of St. Peter’s Basilica to celebrate Easter with the 86-year-old Pope, the Holy See announced. The pontiff observed the Mass largely seated.
With great cheering, Francis was driven past the crowds in the Popemobile following the mass – many believers shouted “Viva il Papa!” (“Long live the Pope”). In sunny but cool weather, the place was well filled.
On the occasion of the Easter holidays, St. Peter’s Square was decorated with around 35,000 flowers and plants. Tulips, daffodils and roses were draped around the altar.
View of St. Peter’s Square: tens of thousands celebrate Easter with Pope Francis.
Image: AFP
Pope prays for Ukraine and Russia
After the traditional mass, he announced his Easter message from the central loggia and bestowed the blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (To the city and the world). He prayed for the Ukrainian and for the Russian people. “Help the beloved Ukrainian people on their way to peace and shine your Easter light on the Russian people. Comfort the wounded and those who lost loved ones in the war and let the prisoners return safely to their families.”
In his speech, the Pope called for a more active role for the international community in seeking peace in Ukraine and in other world wars.
His appeal: “Open the hearts of the entire international community so that they work to end this war and all conflicts that are staining the world with blood, starting with Syria, which is still waiting for peace.”
The head of the church expressed his concern regarding the current situation in Jerusalem. The attacks over the past few days have threatened the climate of trust and mutual respect that is needed “so that dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians can be resumed so that peace can reign in the Holy City and throughout the region.”
Countless mobile phones, one motif: people enthusiastically welcome Pope Francis on St. Peter’s Square.
Image: EPA
Traditional evening prayer celebrated
Francis had celebrated the traditional evening prayer before Easter yesterday together with around 8000 believers in St. Peter’s Basilica. In his sermon, the head of the Catholic Church castigated the “rampant injustice” and the “icy winds of war” that he says are raging in the world.
However, Easter encourages people and gives them hope. “It motivates us to move forward, to leave behind the feeling of defeat, and to face the future with confidence because Christ has risen and changed the course of history,” Francis said.