From BZ/dpa
At the climax of the Easter celebrations, Pope Francis used his traditional Easter message in St. Peter’s Square to make an urgent appeal for peace and donated the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.
“Let’s hurry to walk paths of peace and brotherhood,” said the head of the Catholic Church on Sunday in front of around 100,000 believers in the forecourt of St. Peter’s Basilica. The wars and suffering in the world shaped the entire Easter festival in the Vatican. The pontiff called for “overcoming conflict and division and opening our hearts to those most in need.”
The 86-year-old appealed to trust on the most important holiday of the Catholic Church – “trust between individuals, between peoples and nations”. The message of Easter, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after death on the cross, is intended to illuminate the darkness in which, according to the pontiff, the world is often shrouded.
“Pour down your Easter light on the Russian people”
Visibly moved, the pontiff reminded the faithful on St. Peter’s Square in particular of the war in Ukraine: “Help the beloved Ukrainian people on the way to peace and pour your Easter light over the Russian people. Comfort the wounded and those who lost loved ones in the war, and let the prisoners return safely to their families.”
He called on the international community to work to end this war and all conflicts that are “staining the world with blood.” He also prayed for war and crisis-plagued regions such as Lebanon, Haiti and South Sudan.
Pope Francis blesses the faithful from his Popemobile in St. Peter’s Square at the end of Easter Mass Photo: dpa
With great cheering, Francis was driven past the crowds in the popemobile – many believers shouted “Viva il Papa!” (Long live the Pope).
Discharged from hospital a week ago
Easter was accompanied by health concerns about the pontiff. Just about a week ago, Francis was released from the hospital after almost three days of treatment for bronchitis.
Although he officially presided over the masses, the celebrations were celebrated by other churchmen. He followed her mostly from a seated position because of his knee condition.
When the weather was sunny, 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.