" Let there be peace in Ukraine and let there be light on Russia ."
Pope Francis ' Easter Urbi et Orbi could not miss an appeal, the umpteenth, for peace in Ukraine.
About one hundred thousand people in St. Peter's Square for the Pope's Urbi et Orbi blessing: the square was packed, many people also crowded Via della Conciliazione.
“Help the beloved Ukrainian people - Bergoglio prayed - on the path towards peace, and shed the paschal light on the Russian people . Comfort the wounded and those who have lost loved ones to the war and let the prisoners be returned safely to their families. Open the hearts of the entire international community to work to put an end to this war and all the conflicts which are bloodying the world ".
A thought also of what is happening in the Holy Land: «On this day we entrust to you, Lord, the city of Jerusalem, the first witness of your resurrection. I express deep concern for the attacks of recent days which threaten the hoped-for climate of trust and mutual respect , necessary to resume dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, so that peace reigns in the Holy City and throughout the region".
Again, persecuted Christians who cannot celebrate Easter in lands where freedom of faith is not guaranteed. Among these is Nicaragua, where several bishops are in prison and the Pope's ambassador has been expelled .
«Support, Lord, the Christian communities which today celebrate Easter in particular circumstances, such as in Nicaragua and Eritrea and remember all those who are prevented from freely and publicly professing their faith . Give comfort to the victims of international terrorism, especially in Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique and Nigeria". May Myanmar "follow paths of peace and enlighten the hearts of those responsible for the martyred Rohingya to find justice".
Finally, a message against all discrimination, for the respect of democracy and human rights : "Comfort refugees, deportees, political prisoners and migrants, especially the most vulnerable, as well as all those who suffer from hunger, poverty and the harmful effects drug trafficking, human trafficking and all forms of slavery . Inspire, Lord, the leaders of the nations, so that no man or woman is discriminated against and his dignity is trampled on; so that in full respect of human rights and democracy these social wounds are healed, the common good of citizens is always and only sought, security and the necessary conditions for dialogue and peaceful coexistence are guaranteed".
In short, Pope Francis has traveled through almost all the countries where war, poverty, hunger, devastation and discrimination are suffered.
(Unioneonline/L)
