In his traditional Easter Sunday address, Pope Francis delivered a passionate call for an end to the wars and conflicts devastating regions across the globe.
Speaking from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, the pontiff invoked prayers for all victims of violence on Christianity’s holiest day.
“Jesus alone opens up before us the doors of life, those doors that continually we shut with the wars spreading throughout the world,” Francis said in his yearly “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) message.
The 87-year-old pope directed particular attention to the ongoing fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza. He appealed for humanitarian aid access to the besieged territory and the “prompt release” of hostages seized last October.
Pope Francis also advocated for an exchange of prisoners of war in the raging conflict between Russia and Ukraine, urging a cessation of hostilities there as well as in longstanding disputes like those in Syria, Haiti, and the Sahel region of Africa.
“On this day when we celebrate the life given us in the resurrection of the Son, let us remember the infinite love of God for each of us: a love that overcomes every limit and every weakness,” the Pope implored the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
The pontiff’s global peace appeals extended to other troubled areas like Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique. He prayed that severe drought conditions afflicting the Horn of Africa would end to alleviate widespread famine and hunger.
Francis’s words carried added poignancy as they came just two days after he was forced to skip the Vatican’s Good Friday procession due to lingering respiratory issues. Though frail, he mustered his strength to celebrate Easter Mass and deliver the high-profile annual message.
“Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity and a defeat!” the Pope declared forcefully. “Let us not allow the strengthening winds of war to blow on Europe and the Mediterranean.”
Striking a tone of hope on the holy day commemorating Christ’s resurrection, Francis emphasized peace and open hearts over the “logic of weapons and rearming.” His global appeals for human rights, conflict resolution, and embracing our common humanity resounded from the heart of the Catholic church.
