The pope this Sunday expressed his concern about the violence in recent days in Israel and Palestine and also called for peace in Ukraine during his Easter message, during the Eucharist celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica.
“On this day, we entrust to you, Lord, the city of Jerusalem, the first witness to your resurrection. I express my deep concern at the attacks of recent days, which threaten the desired climate of trust and mutual respect that is needed to resume dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians so that peace reigns in the holy city and throughout the region,” Pope Francis said.
About 100,000 people, according to Vatican sources, gathered in nearby St. Peter’s Square to hear the Easter message and receive the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing after Mass on Easter Sunday.
Tensions in the Middle East have increased following a relative calm in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the beginning of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that began on March 23.
The violence began on Wednesday with clashes between police and Muslim worshipers at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque.
In recent days, there have been reciprocal rocket and artillery attacks between Israeli and Palestinian security forces, particularly from the Hamas group, which have hit Israeli territory, Palestine and southern Lebanon.
Pope Francis also issued a new call for peace in Ukraine during his Easter message, also asking for “light” on the Russian people and praying that the international community would work “for the end of the conflict”.
“Help the beloved Ukrainian people on the path of peace and enlighten the Russian people with the light of Easter. Comfort the wounded and those who lost their loved ones in the war and ensure that the prisoners return safe and sound with their families,” said he. declared the pope.
“Open the hearts of the entire international community to work for an end to this war and all the conflicts that stain the world with blood,” the pope said.
Source: DN
