Welcome to the blog post covering Pope Francis’ Easter message from the Loggia delle Benedizioni at the Vatican. The Pontiff, in his message read by Monsignor Ravelli, called for a ceasefire in Gaza, peace in Ukraine and African regions, and support for the earthquake-affected population in Myanmar. He emphasized the importance of true disarmament for achieving peace, respect for religious freedom, and the release of war prisoners and political detainees during the Jubilee.
Salvatore Cernuzio – Vatican City
Dear brothers and sisters, happy Easter!
As the gentle voice of Pope Francis resonated in the city and around the world, he made his entrance at the Loggia delle Benedizioni, the heart of the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica. With the heavy velvet curtains opening at 12:02, the Pontiff appeared for one of the most significant events in the Church’s calendar, the Urbi et Orbi Easter blessing.
Amidst cheers from the crowded St. Peter’s Square, around 35,000 faithful gathered to witness the Pontiff’s message. Monsignor Ravelli, the master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, read the Pope’s Easter message, conveying the words directly to the crowd.
READ THE FULL TEXT OF POPE FRANCIS’ “URBI ET ORBI” MESSAGE HERE
A Cruelty to Bomb Schools and Hospitals
Before Monsignor Ravelli began reading the Pope’s words, the Vatican’s national anthem echoed through the square, followed by military honors and the Swiss Guard. As the Pontiff’s message unfolded, it implored for Easter’s resurrection to shine light into a world marred by darkness, wars, political and social divides, and violence.
The cruelty of conflicts targeting unarmed civilians, attacking schools, hospitals, and aid workers highlights the need for humanity as the cornerstone of our daily actions. We must remember that it’s not targets being hit, but people with souls and dignity.
Evoking Hope in Troubled Territories
Palestine, Israel, Ukraine, Yemen, DR Congo, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Sudan, South Sudan, Myanmar, are among the afflicted regions mentioned in the Pope’s message, invoking the light of Easter upon them.
Love has conquered hate. Light has overcome darkness. Truth has defeated lies. Forgiveness has prevailed over revenge. Evil remains in our history, but it no longer has dominion over those who embrace the grace of this day.
To the suffering, Pope Francis assures, “Your silent cries have been heard, your tears collected. Not a single tear has been lost! In Jesus’ passion and death, God took on all the world’s evil and with infinite mercy defeated it, uprooting the diabolical pride poisoning human hearts and sowing violence and corruption.”
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