Pope Francis fell on the steps of a plane after visiting Greece
The head of the Vatican, Francis, attacked Russia and the brutality of the war in Ukraine while attending the Easter Mass on Saturday. Although the 85-year-old man did not lead the event, which was attended by Ivan Fedorov, the mayor of Melitopol, in southeastern Ukraine, which is currently under Russian military occupation, he made clear his feelings about the ongoing conflict. Francis was replaced by Giovanni Battista Re, an Italian cardinal, as the main holiday of the service.
But during the service, Francis noted the “darkness of war, of cruelty.”
He said, “We are all praying for you and with you. We pray because there is so much suffering. We can only provide you with our company, our prayers and tell you, “Courage, we accompany you.”
He ended with the words “Christ is risen” in Ukrainian.
Francis is well known for his cool-headedness and has been praised for his own ability to calm storms, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.
Pope Francis unlike “never popular Benedict”, as the Vatican debate over a new chapter begins (Image: GETTY)
Pope Francis replaces Benedict in 2013 (Image: GETTY)
One problem he constantly faces comes from his own church and those who claim that he is not the natural successor to the leader he replaces, Pope Benedict.
Divisions have erupted in the church following Benedict’s unprecedented resignation in 2013, which he claims is the result of his deteriorating health.
Since then, Francis has pursued a more liberal agenda, a major change from Benedict’s traditionalist approach.
Some even continue to recognize Benedict as pontiff, claiming that he was forced to resign by other senior members of the Vatican.
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Pope Francis on Easter (Image: GETTY)
This even led Benedict to intervene himself, recounting the “conspiracy theories” that were being told and reminding the worshipers that “there is only one pope.”
Benedict’s intervention has been criticized by some Vatican historians, including writer Linda Telford, who wrote Women in the Vatican, The Feminine Power in the Male World.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Ms Telford discussed how Benedict was not as popular as some insiders claimed, and noted that he had been “asked to leave due to his inability to show that serious issues were being addressed”.
She said: “He has never been popular with worshipers in a personal sense.
I remember a lady waiting in front of St. Peters to see the Pope, saying, “I would stand here hoping to see Francis, but I certainly wouldn’t stand here waiting to see Benedict!”
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Pope Francis during the coronavirus pandemic (Image: GETTY)
“He failed to connect with ordinary people, so he was a bad figure.
“People don’t want a distant academic leader, no matter how smart.
Ms Telford explained that she felt that the pilgrims “want a man who gets on the tram, visits hospitals and closes and extends his hand”.
But she added: “Vatican supporters want leaders who support their privileged positions and do not rock boats.
“People want someone who cares, and Benedict never did.
Pope Francis came to power in 2013 (Image: GETTY)
“Finding a pastoral pope like Francis must look perfect, let him lead from the front while they rule from behind.
“Unfortunately, he was not what they expected, so the traditionalist reaction began.
Since Benedict became the first living pope in 600 years to resign, he maintains his residence in the Vatican and also continues to wear white – something that only a pope would routinely wear.
The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night at St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by Francis, was filled with 5,500 pilgrims, creating stunning scenes for spectators.
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