War, destruction and suffering in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine: this characterizes the Easter celebrations at the Vatican. The Pope asks for immediate signs of freedom.
Pope Francis smiles from the central box of St. Peter's Basilica before the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing on Easter Sunday Photo: Andrew Medichini/dpa
ROME dpa | At the climax of Easter celebrations, Pope Francis urged peace in the face of wars in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine. “Peace is never created with weapons, but by stretching out hands and opening hearts,” the church leader said on Easter Sunday before 60,000 people in St. Peter's Square in Rome. In particular, he called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli army has been fighting Islamist Hamas for almost six months.
It is essential to end the fighting in the Gaza Strip, just for the well-being of the children. “How much suffering we see in their eyes. Her looks ask us: Why? Why so much death? “Why so much destruction?” asked the pontiff. War is always absurd and a defeat. Pope Francis also called for humanitarian access to be guaranteed to the Gaza Strip, where many people are dying of hunger. Hostages kidnapped by Hamas terrorists and other Israeli extremists in the isolated coastal strip on October 7 must also be released.
According to Francis, the world should defend itself from the growing winds of war in Europe and the Mediterranean. He warned against succumbing to the logic of weapons and rearmament.
The Pope also commented on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which has been going on for more than two years: “I ask that the principles of international law be respected and I hope for a comprehensive exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: everyone, for everyone!” Two weeks ago, the Pope's remarks in an interview about raising the “white flag” in the Ukraine war sparked massive controversy around the world. There he said: “When you see that you are defeated, that things are not going well, you have to have the courage to negotiate.”
In the Easter message, the Pope usually focuses on conflicts and wars and calls for peace and reconciliation. This year he also recalled the conflicts in Syria, Lebanon and between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He also mentioned Haiti and Myanmar, as well as the African continent. Francis' calls for peace were interrupted by applause from the faithful.
He celebrated Easter mass with tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists. Then he passed by the crowd in the Popemobile to great cheers: many believers loudly shouted “Viva il Papa!” (Long live the Pope!). With temperatures around 20 degrees and strong winds, St. Peter's Square was packed. Like every year, the square was decorated with numerous flowers and plants.
The highlight was the blessing “Urbi et Orbi”, that is, the city and the world. Francis gave the blessing while standing. Before, he sat down and read his Easter message. The 87-year-old man has been in poor health for some time. His voice was still a little hoarse and he seemed out of breath. Unlike previous public appearances, no Vatican employees had to read his speech.
On Good Friday, concern for Francis was once again great: with little notice and surprisingly he decided not to participate in the Stations of the Cross in the Colosseum in Rome. Minutes before the “Via Crucis” began at the Colosseum, the Holy See announced that Francis would follow the procession from his residence in the Vatican to protect his health. Among other things, Francisco has been suffering for months from the consequences of a persistent respiratory infection. He clearly finds it difficult to talk for long periods of time.
Last year he had already canceled the “Via Crucis” in the old amphitheater. However, the cancellation just minutes before the start of the procession caused a stir, because Holy Thursday still seemed relatively relaxed and cool. He washed and kissed the feet of twelve inmates in a Roman prison, a gesture that symbolized humility. At the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday he again completed a service that lasted several hours and read a ten-minute sermon.
Security measures are usually high in Rome at Easter. This year they were especially strict after the Islamist terrorist attack near Moscow.
Christians also celebrated Easter in Jerusalem, in the shadow of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel about six months ago and the subsequent Gaza war. Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the region's highest Catholic dignitary, celebrated Easter mass that morning in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Referring to the Gaza war, he said: “This enormous crisis has shaped all of our lives, without distinction.”