“My thoughts are primarily with the victims of the many ongoing conflicts in the world, starting with those in Israel and Palestine and in Ukraine. May the risen Christ open a path of peace to the tormented people in these regions. I call for respect for the Principles of international law and hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine,” said Francis.
The pope called for safe humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip and reiterated his calls for the immediate release of the hostages kidnapped on October 7 and an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
- Video: Easter mass with Pope Francis in Rome
“Why so much death?”
“We cannot allow the ongoing hostilities to continue to severely affect the exhausted civilian population, especially children. We see in their eyes how much they are suffering. Their eyes ask us: Why? Why so much death? Why so much destruction? War is always an absurdity and a defeat! Let us not allow the winds of war to blow ever stronger across Europe and the Mediterranean. Let us not allow ourselves to be guided by the logic of weapons and rearmament. Peace is never created with weapons, but… by extending our hands and opening our hearts,” the Pope said.
He also remembered the conflicts in Syria and Lebanon, as well as the Western Balkans region, where significant steps have been taken towards integration into the European project. “May ethnic, cultural and confessional differences not lead to division, but rather become a source of enrichment for all of Europe and for the whole world,” Francis said. He also mentioned the talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan “so that, with the support of the international community, they can continue the dialogue, come to the aid of the displaced, respect the places of worship of the different denominations and reach a final peace agreement as soon as possible.”
The Pope also remembered the migrants. “May Christ lead all people of good will to unite in solidarity to face together the many challenges faced by the poorest families in their search for a better life and happiness,” Francis said.
Pope Francis had already opened the traditional Easter Vigil celebration on Saturday evening together with thousands of believers. Following a tradition, he baptized eight adults who came from Albania, Japan, Korea and Italy, among others.
The Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday, however, took place without Pope Francis, who had to repeatedly cancel appointments in recent weeks due to bronchitis. The head of the Catholic Church followed the procession in the evening from the Santa Marta guesthouse where he lives. He joined the prayers of those who gathered with the diocese of Rome at the Colosseum, the Vatican said.
The strictest security precautions are in place in Rome around the Easter celebrations. Anti-terror units and special police forces monitor the area around the Vatican. The area around St. Peter’s Square was cordoned off and equipped with metal detectors. Pilgrims were able to watch the ceremony with the Pope on screens from St. Peter’s Square.
