Appeals to “participate in ending war” without direct condemnation of Russia
Pope Francis presides over the Easter Vigil Mass on the 9th. Vatican City = EPA Yonhap News
Pope Francis called for an end to the war in Ukraine during Easter Mass on the 9th (local time). He wished peace for the peoples of both countries and world peace without direct criticism of the warring parties.
“Help the people of Ukraine on their journey towards peace, and shine the light of Easter on the people of Russia,” Pope Francis prayed during an Easter outdoor mass held in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican that day. Easter is the most important holiday in Catholicism.
Pope Francis said, “I pray that we may all work to end war and all conflict and bloodshed in the world.” Please open the hearts of the entire international community to this.”
Pope Francis has been calling for peace in almost every public setting since war broke out in Ukraine last year. In fact, the pope also requested an end to the war in Ukraine and an end to the weaponization of food through his Christmas message on December 25 last year.
Pope Francis expressed “deep concern” over the recent intensifying conflict between Arab countries, including Israel and Palestine. He also mentioned the cases of Lebanon, Tunisia, Haiti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Myanmar, which are experiencing political and economic crises, and repeatedly prayed for peace and stability in these countries.
Pope Francis, aged 86 this year, was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy on the 29th of last month with bronchitis, and was discharged on the 1st after three days. During the two-hour Mass, the pope sometimes coughed, but appeared relatively healthy.
Jaeho Jung reporter next88@hankookilbo.com
