Pope Francis delivered a message of peace and solidarity during his Easter address at the Vatican on Sunday, urging the world to reject the “logic of weapons” and embrace peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
In his address, the Pope condemned war as “always an absurdity and a defeat,” highlighting ongoing conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar.
He specifically called for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid deliveries and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The Pope expressed his concern for the victims of conflicts worldwide, particularly in Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine, urging for the risen Christ to pave a path towards peace for these war-torn regions.
He lamented the profound suffering endured by children in conflict zones, emphasizing the need to end the cycle of violence and destruction.
“War is always an absurdity, war is always a defeat! Let us not allow the strengthening winds of war to blow on Europe and the Mediterranean,” Pope Francis declared, emphasizing that peace cannot be achieved through arms but through dialogue and reconciliation.
The Pontiff also addressed the humanitarian crises in Syria and Lebanon, urging for international solidarity and support to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations.
He highlighted the importance of unity and cooperation in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Lebanon, exacerbated by recent hostilities on its border with Israel.
Furthermore, Pope Francis extended his thoughts to the western Balkans, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and fostering integration within the European project.
He called for ethnic, cultural, and confessional differences to be seen as sources of enrichment rather than division.
The Pope’s message comes at a crucial time as the world grapples with numerous conflicts and humanitarian crises.
His call for peace and solidarity underscores the urgent need for global cooperation and concerted efforts to address the root causes of violence and instability.
It is noteworthy that on Friday, Pope Francis withdrew from a Good Friday service at the last minute, citing health concerns ahead of his engagements for Easter weekend.