He Pope Francis, Even in recovery after a recent respiratory infection, he appeared this Sunday on the balcony of the Central Lodge of the Basilica of San Pedro for Take the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. In his Easter message, the Pontiff made a strong call in favor of religious freedom, which he considered essential to achieve peace in the world.
“There can be no peace without freedom of religionfreedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the opinions of others, ”said the 88 -year -old Pope, in a speech that was read by one of his collaborators, while he remained in a wheelchair next to the balcony. Some 35,000 people gathered in the Plaza de San Pedro to follow the message.
Francisco was discharged on March 23 after staying 38 days hospitalized by bilateral pneumonia. Due to his delicate state of health, he was absent in much of the liturgical acts of Holy Week and also delegated the reading of the Pascual message by medical recommendation.
Despite their respiratory difficulties, The Pope chose to be physically present in this central celebration for Catholics. Earlier, Resurrection Sunday Mass was chaired by Cardinal Angelo Comastri. Francisco, on the other hand, just offered a brief greeting of “good Easter” and He remained sitting in his wheelchair, without the oxygen cannulas that he had used in other recent public appearances.
Francisco requested the fire in Gaza and denounced the global arms race in his Easter message
During his Pascual message “Urbi et Orbi”, Pope Francis launched a firm call to peace in Gaza and in the areas of the world affected by armed conflicts. In his speech, the pontiff He asked for the immediate cessation of violence, the liberation of hostages and humanitarian assistance for populations that suffer the consequences of war.
“That the fire ceases, that hostages are released and helps people who are hungry and who aspires to a future of peace,” said the Pope, visibly moved. He also expressed concern about the increase in anti -Semitism globally and the dramatic situation of the Christian community in Gaza, “where the conflict continues to sow death and destruction, causing a humanitarian crisis as unworthy as painful.”
Francisco reaffirmed his proximity “to the suffering of Christians in Palestine and Israel, as well as all the Israeli and Palestinian people”, and requested that the light of peace “irradiated from the Holy Sepulcher, where this year Easter will be held on the same date by Catholics and Orthodox, reach to all holy land and the entire world.”
Condemns the global rearmament and the attack on civilians
The Pope also dedicated part of his message to condemn the arms escalation at the international level. “Peace is not possible without a real disarmament,” he said, warning that “The legitimate need for each nation to protect should not lead to a generalized career by rearma.”
Within that framework, he urged political leaders to resist the logic of fear and to prioritize the use of resources in development initiatives, fight against hunger and assistance to the most vulnerable. “These are the true weapons of peace: those that build the future, not those that sow death,” he said.
Not explicitly mentioning Gaza, the Pontiff harshly criticized attacks on hospitals, schools and humanitarian workers. “Faced with the cruelty of conflicts that hit defenseless civilians, We cannot lose sight of the fact that behind each objective attacked there are people with soul and dignity. The principle of humanity should not weaken”He stressed.
Source: Ambito
