Easter celebrations
Pope calls for peace and bestows Urbi et Orbi blessing
“Viva il Papa!”: Pope Francis (left) in the main box of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. photo
© Gregorio Borgia/AP/dpa
In front of around 100,000 believers, Pope Francis delivered his traditional Easter message and recalled the wars and suffering in the world.
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 on 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 conflicts and divisions 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 people, 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.
“Help the beloved Ukrainian 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 have been hurt by the lost loved ones during the war and let the captives 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.
With great cheering, Francis was driven past the crowds in the popemobile – many believers shouted “Viva il Papa!” (Long live the Pope). 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.