Pope Francis delivered his final Easter message, calling for peace in several war-torn countries. He appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, blessing thousands gathered in the square and millions around the world. The Pope’s health is fragile after being hospitalized for pneumonia. Due to his weakness, he couldn’t finish reading his prepared statement and had an assistant finish it for him.
A World Torn Apart
The Pope’s message highlighted the suffering in 11 countries and six territories. He condemned the “thirst for death” and “contempt for the weak” that fuels ongoing conflicts. His words echoed concerns about the rising number of global hotspots. The Pope mentioned Lebanon and Syria, where Christian communities face challenges. He called for discussions to end the hunger crisis in Yemen.
The Pope’s plea for peace extended to Sudan and South Sudan. He prayed for victims of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A recent ceasefire in Myanmar was seen as a small sign of hope. The Pope also urged for a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine. He criticized the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, saying it causes “death and destruction.”
The source of this report is CNN.