Easter: Pope Francis' message of hope against a background of coronavirus

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Like every day at Easter, Pope Francis celebrated a mass before delivering his Easter message and his blessing "Urbi et Orbi", "to the city and to the world". A message proclaimed this year from St. Peter's Basilica and not in the square because of the containment measures.

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From our correspondent in Rome, Eric Sénanque.

In this Easter message, Pope Francis of course mentioned the coronavirus pandemic. At Easter, good news came on overnight, said François, " that of a world already grappling with the challenges of the moment and now oppressed by the pandemic, which is putting our great human family to the test ". The pope used this expression “ contagion of hope ” which the resurrection of Christ represents for Christians.

" Stop the frenzied rhythms of life "

" Let there be no lack of consolation, nor the help necessary for those who find themselves in conditions of particular vulnerability, such as those who work in nursing homes, or who live in barracks and prisons. May Jesus give strength and hope to doctors and nurses ", also continued the sovereign pontiff, who in this Easter message wanted to give meaning to this particular period that the world is living:" For many, staying at home has been an opportunity to reflect, to stop the hectic rhythms of life, to be with loved ones and enjoy their company . "

In his paschal message, the pope also invited to overcome indifference and selfishness. " It is not the time for indifference, because everyone is suffering and everyone must be united to face the pandemic, " he said. François thus pleaded for the lifting of international sanctions which prevent the countries which are the object of it " from providing an adequate support to their citizens ".

On this night the voice of the Church resounded: "Christ, my hope, is risen!". It is another “contagion”, which is transmitted from heart to heart - because every human heart awaits this Good News. It is the contagion of hope.

A warning to Europe

" This time is not the time of selfishness" either, because the challenge (of the pandemic) that we face unites us all and makes no difference between people . "

François has issued a warning to Europe, divided on its response to the epidemic: " It is more urgent than ever, that the rivalries of the past do not regain vigor ," he said. to the challenge of the moment on which will depend not only its future, but that of the whole world. "

" This time is not the time of divisions ", finally recalled the pope who again launched a message of peace asking for an end to the arms trade and endless wars. He also asked that God be close to the populations of Africa or Asia who are going through humanitarian crises without forgetting of course the migrants and refugees.

" Indifference, selfishness, division, forgetfulness are not really the words we want to hear today, " concluded the Argentine Pope.

Easter celebrated in Paris, the report by Murielle Paradon

Murielle Paradon

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• Coronavirus
• Pope Francis
• Religion

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