Pope Francis, during his Easter message this Sunday, called for “an exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine” and called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
“All for all,” the pope said from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica before giving the Urbi et Orbi (City and World) blessing in front of tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
In his Easter message, he recalled “the victims of so many of the world’s ongoing conflicts, starting with those in Israel, Palestine and Ukraine” and asked that “the risen Christ open a path of peace for the suffering populations of these regions.”
The Pope then called for “respect for the principles of international law.”
And among his demands, he called for a “general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine.” “Everything for everyone!” – he said.
In his message, Francis also repeated his call for “guaranteeing the possibility of humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip,” again calling for “the rapid release of the hostages abducted on October 7 and an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”
“Let us not allow ongoing fighting to continue to seriously impact already exhausted civilian populations, and especially children. How much suffering we see in their eyes,” the Pope said.
The pope also issued a warning: “Let us not allow the winds of war to blow stronger over Europe and the Mediterranean” and “let us not succumb to the logic of arms and rearmament.”
“Peace is built not with the help of weapons, but with the opening of our hearts,” he emphasized.
The pontiff also mentioned the situations that have arisen in Syria, Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling for “comforting the victims of any form of terrorism” and praying “for those who died.”
He also prayed that God would “open paths of peace on the African continent” and put an end to the prolonged drought that is affecting large areas and causing famine and famine.”
He also mentioned the situation in the Western Balkans region, “where significant steps are being taken towards integration into the European project,” and prayed that “ethnic, cultural and religious differences will not become a cause of division.”
One more word about Haiti, in the sense that it is “moving as quickly as possible from the painful and bloody violence and moving forward on the path of democracy and brotherhood”, as well as “comforting the Rohingya affected by a serious humanitarian crisis and paving the way for reconciliation in Myanmar” .
In his message, the Pope did not forget about migrants and people experiencing economic difficulties who are looking for hope and solidarity, as well as about children who “do not have the necessary care or are victims of abuse and violence.”
The message was delivered by Pope Francis after he presided over an Easter Sunday mass that did not include a homily.
After skipping the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome on Friday to preserve his health, the Argentine pontiff today presented himself in “good shape” according to international agencies, as he did on Saturday when he presided over the Easter ceremony. vigil.
At the end of today’s Mass, which was celebrated by more than 350 members of the clergy, including cardinals, bishops and priests, Francis rode through St. Peter’s Square in the Popemobile, greeting the faithful.
The atrium of the basilica was decorated with tens of thousands of flowers thanks to the contribution of Dutch florists and the cooperation of workers from the Horticulture and Environment Service.