Vatican: Pope Francis deplores an “Easter of war” and appeals for peace
Facing 100,000 worshipers in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, Pope Francis lamented an "Easter of war" and appealed for peace in the face of the war between Ukraine and Russia.
AP - Andrew Medichini
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
Facing 100,000 worshipers in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Pope Francis dedicated much of his Easter message to Ukraine.
The head of the Catholic Church appealed for peace, but also addressed political leaders.
Advertisement
Read more
With our correspondent in Rome
,
Blandine Hugonnet
It was from the balcony of Saint Peter's Basilica, in front of a crowd of 100,000 faithful that
the pope
lamented an "
Easter of war
": "
We have seen too much bloodshed, too much violence
", he said. He denounces.
The pope also says he carries in his heart “
the many Ukrainian victims, the millions of refugees, the shattered lives and the razed cities
”.
He also appealed for peace to applause: "
Let there be peace for martyred Ukraine, so hard-hit by the violence and destruction of the cruel and senseless war into which it has been dragged."
May a new dawn of hope soon rise on this terrible night of suffering and death!
Let us choose peace.
»
Message addressed to the political authorities
In this traditionally very political Easter message, it was as head of state that Francis also addressed the political authorities: "
Let's stop showing our muscles while people are suffering
", he said. to the Russian president without explicitly naming him.
The pope who also welcomed the encouraging sign of open doors in Europe to welcome
Ukrainians
.
However, he warns, we must not get used to war, he even invites people to demonstrate for peace.
“
Let us all commit to calling for peace, from our balconies and in the streets!
“, urged the head of the Catholic Church.
He concluded his message by insisting in front of the faithful St. Peter's Squares: “
Peace is possible, peace is necessary, peace is everyone's first responsibility!
»
►
To listen: Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_FR
Pope Francis
Vatican
Ukraine