Vatican City/Prensa Latina
In his message to the City and the World (Urbi et Orbi) Pope Francis expressed today that peace is never built with weapons, but by extending our hands and opening our hearts.
The Supreme Pontiff called to find “the path of peace, of reconciliation, of fraternity”, during his Urbi et Orbi blessing, pronounced at noon on this Easter Sunday, a few minutes after the conclusion of the Holy Mass, presided by him. .
He directed his thoughts to “the victims of so many conflicts” and in particular referred to the “martyred populations” in wars such as those in Ukraine and Palestine, and reiterated his call for the possibility of humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip, where Due to Israel’s attacks, more than 32 thousand people have already died.
He asked that the ongoing hostilities not be allowed to continue affecting the civilian population, especially infants, and lamented “how much suffering we see in the eyes of children” who, he said, have forgotten to smile” and “ask us with their gaze. because so much death and destruction.”
He reiterated that war is always absurd and a defeat, while calling for the release of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, as well as the general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine.
He also made reference to Syria, “which has been suffering for thirteen years the consequences of a long and devastating war” as well as Lebanon, affected by a crisis aggravated by the complex situation on its border with Israel.
He spoke about the integration process in the Western Balkans, despite their ethnic, cultural and confessional differences, as well as the talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and hoped that “with the support of the international community they can continue the dialogue and reach a definitive peace agreement.”
He demanded an end to violence in Haiti so that that country “can progress on the path of democracy and fraternity, and also spoke out about the humanitarian crisis of the Rohingyas and asked that the path of reconciliation be opened in Myanmar.
Regarding the African continent, he listed problems in the Sahel region, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in other nations in that region.
Finally, Pope Francis reflected on “how often the precious good of life is despised” and “how many die of hunger, lack essential care or are victims of abuse and violence,” as well as deploring “the growing trade in human beings.” and urged actions by “those who have political responsibilities.”
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