In an overcast atmosphere and in front of thousands of believers, the Mass for Catholic Easter Sunday was celebrated in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican by Pope Francis.
In his message to the “City and the World” (Urbi et Orbi) at the end of the Catholic Easter service, Pope Francis asked the faithful to follow the path of mutual solidarity, “which must also prevail in the relations between nations, states and people”. “Christ is risen,” said the pope and then added, in Greek: “Christ is Risen.”
It is reminded that, Pope Francis was hospitalized with bronchitis at the end of March, as a result of which his participation in the Easter liturgies is called into question. However, he regained his strength and officiated at the traditional Easter Vigil on Easter night in the packed St. Peter’s Basilica. The service began inside the entrance of the temple, with the imposing ceremony of the blessing of the fire, followed by the candlelight litany.
The pontiff, at the same time, asked for an end to armed conflicts and divisions, while he noted that messages of hope arriving from countries that offer help and support to people, leave wars and poverty behind. The pontiff appealed to the Lord “to help the dear Ukrainian people on their way to peace and to spread the Easter light, throughout the Russian people.”
He also wished that the wounded and all the families who lost loved ones due to the war would be supported and that the prisoners of war could return home safe and sound.
At the same time, in his message he asked for an end to the armed conflicts in Syria as well, for support to be provided to those affected by the devastating earthquake that occurred in Turkey and in Syria itself and made clear his concern regarding the attacks of the last few days in the Middle East , “which endanger the necessary climate of trust, so that the dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians can resume”.
The pontiff greeted the cardinals sitting in a wheelchair and then went around the square in the “papa mobile” vehicle, he wished that the political situation in Lebanon could be stabilized, that the young people looking for a better future in Tunisia would not lose hope and to overcome in Haiti the social, political and humanitarian crisis which has been plaguing the country for many years
Source: News Beast
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