Substitute while the actions of the article are loading
In an Easter address to tens of thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, Pope Francis called for “peace for war-torn Ukraine” and for caution in a conflict that could lead to nuclear war.
Under the bright sun in front of a crowd enjoying a return to tradition after the pandemic restrictions of previous years, the pope called Sunday’s “Easter of War.”
“We saw too much blood, too much violence,” he said. “Our hearts were also full of fear and sorrow, as so many of our brothers and sisters had to lock themselves up to protect themselves from bombing.
“Let us all commit ourselves to praying for peace from our balconies and on our streets,” he said, urging people to address the cause. “Let the leaders of the nations hear the people’s plea for peace.”
He cites a 1955 manifesto by physicist Albert Einstein and philosopher Bertrand Russell, in which scientists and thinkers warn of the risks posed by nuclear weapons, writing: “Should we end the human race or give up humanity?” ? ”
The Easter message ends the weekend with religious events for Catholics. Orthodox Christians in Ukraine and elsewhere celebrate Easter on April 24.
Three Ukrainian lawmakers and Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov, who was allegedly abducted by Russian forces and released on a prisoner exchange, attended the pope’s Easter vigil on Saturday, where he addressed them directly. “In this darkness you are living, Mr. Mayor, parliamentarians, in the thick darkness of war, of cruelty, we are all praying, praying with you and for you tonight,” he said.
The Pope’s sermon on Good Friday at the Colosseum in Rome called for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, drawing criticism from Ukrainian religious leaders who disliked Ukrainians and Russians carrying a cross together during the service.
Although the pope has often spoken out in support of Ukraine since the start of the war, he has so far avoided calling Russia an aggressor or calling what is happening in Ukraine an invasion. His address to Easter was no exception. He said Ukraine had been “involved” in a “brutal and senseless war”, but did not say who. He mentioned Ukraine and Ukrainians by name, but not Russia.
Sofika Zielik, ethnographer and artist, tells the story of Easter eggs, traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs and how she uses them to help Ukraine. (Video: Zoeann Murphy / The Washington Post)
The statement highlighted the consequences of the war for Ukraine and its people, especially “the millions of refugees and internally displaced people, divided families, elderly people left alone, shattered lives and destroyed cities”.
“I see the faces of orphans fleeing the war,” Francis said. As we watch them, we cannot help but hear their cry of pain, along with that of all those other children who are suffering around the world: those who are dying of hunger or lack of medical care, those who are victims of abuse and violence, and those who have been denied the right to be born. “
He praised European nations for opening their doors to Ukrainian refugees, but suggested that the same welcome be extended to other vulnerable people fleeing conflict elsewhere. He raised hopes for a peaceful resolution of other conflicts around the world.
After apologizing in early April for the “disgusting behavior” of some Catholics in the Canadian school system, which separated at least 150,000 indigenous children from their families to assimilate them, the pope said on Sunday he hoped the success of the “journey of reconciliation”. which the Catholic Church in Canada is doing to the indigenous people. “
“May the Spirit of the Risen Christ heal the wounds of the past and make hearts search for truth and brotherhood,” he said.
The pope apologizes for the “disgusting behavior” of some Catholics in boarding schools
The pope concluded his address with a call for peace: “Peace is possible; peace is a duty; peace is everyone’s primary responsibility! ”
Stefano Pitrelli, Amanda Coletta, Latecia Bicham and Toby Raji contributed to this report.
Add Comment