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.
With our correspondent in Rome, Blandine Hugonnet
It is from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica, in front of a crowd of 100,000 faithful that Pope lamented a war easter “:” We’ve seen too much bloodshed, too much violence “, he denounced.
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: “ May there be peace for the martyred Ukraine, so hard-hit by the violence and the destruction of the cruel and senseless war into which it has been drawn. 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 Easter message, traditionally very political, it is as head of state that Francis also addresses the political authorities: “ Stop flexing our muscles while people are hurting “, he launched to the Russian president without naming him explicitly.
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’s 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 emphasizing facing the faithful St. Peter’s Squares: ” Peace is possible, peace is necessary, peace is everyone’s primary responsibility! »
►Listen: Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine