Vita gazette – Traditional blessing “to the city and the world” on Easter day. Pope Francis wished peace and tranquillity to the countries and peoples where wars have occurred due to global strategies. Bergoglio mentions the suffering countries, from Lebanon to Haiti and Syria to Nicaragua. And shed Easter light on the Russian people.

It was the most important appointment of the whole Easter Triduum. Pope Francis imparted the Urbi et Orbi blessing (“to the city and the world”) in St. Peter’s Square, packed with faithful (100,000 people). After last week’s hospitalisation in Gemelli due to a lung infection, many feared that the Pontiff would be unable to preside over the Easter celebrations, the most critical spiritual moment for the Church of Rome. But Bergoglio managed to be present at all the festivities. Only on Friday, “because of the cold”, did he give up going to the Colosseum for the solemn Via Crucis, the only rite “skipped” as a precaution.

Shed Easter light on the Russian people

In his previous statements, Pope Francis affirmed that “imperial interests” played a role in the Ukrainian conflict and that the “great powers of the world” are fighting in this country. On the central loggia of the facade of St. Peter’s, he addresses the world’s powers and prays for the gift of peace: “Help the beloved Ukrainian people and shed Easter 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 end this war and all the conflicts that are bloodying the world”.

The Pope, the armed clashes underway on Earth, making an ideal geopolitical tour in the crisis areas, where tension is growing or has already been high for some time, where there is hunger, devastation, and poverty. Bergoglio prays for Syria, “which is still waiting for peace. Support those affected by the violent earthquake in Turkey and Syria itself”, invokes the Pontiff. Next, pray for Lebanon, “still seeking stability and unity, so that it may overcome divisions and all citizens work together for the common good of the country”, adds Bergoglio. Next, he invokes God’s help for Tunisia, with a thought for “young people and those who suffer from social and economic problems”. Next, he dwells on Haiti, “which has suffered for several years from a serious socio-political and humanitarian crisis”. Then, the Pope adds again, invoking the Lord, consolidating the peace and reconciliation processes undertaken in Ethiopia and South Sudan, and ensuring that the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo ceases.

“On this day, Lord, we entrust the city of Jerusalem to you, the first witness of your Resurrection. I express deep concern for the attacks of the last few 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”.