Pope Francis was released from the hospital just in time to give his Easter message from the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. He said that “by pure grace, the most important and beautiful day in history.”
However, his main message was to ask the world to surmount all the conflicts and divisions currently happening all over the world. He then devoted part of his message to talk about all these major conflicts around the world that made it appear as if humanity was already undergoing a third world war.
Here are excerpts from his message regarding these global conflicts:
“Help the beloved Ukrainian people on their journey towards peace, and shed the light of Easter upon the people of Russia. Comfort the wounded and all those who have lost loved ones because of the war, and grant that prisoners may return safe and sound to their families. Open the hearts of the entire international community to strive to end this war and all conflict and bloodshed in our world, beginning with Syria, which still awaits peace. Strengthen all those affected by the violent earthquake in Turkey and in Syria itself. Let us pray for all those who have lost family and friends, and for those left homeless. May they receive consolation from God and assistance from the family of nations.
“On this day, Lord, we entrust to you the city of Jerusalem, the first witness of your resurrection. May there be a resumption of dialogue, in a climate of trust and reciprocal respect, between Israelis and Palestinians, so that peace may reign in the Holy City and in the entire region.
“Lord, aid Lebanon, which still seeks stability and unity, so that divisions may be overcome and all citizens cooperate for the common good of the country.
“Be mindful of the beloved people of Tunisia, and in particular the young and those suffering from social and economic hardship, so that they may not lose hope and may work together to build a future of peace and fraternity.
“Turn your gaze to Haiti, which has long experienced a grave social, economic and humanitarian crisis, and support the efforts of political actors and the international community to seek a definitive solution to the many problems that afflict that sorely tried people.
“Consolidate the processes of peace and reconciliation undertaken in Ethiopia and in South Sudan, and grant an end to violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“Sustain, Lord, the Christian communities that today celebrate Easter in particular circumstances, as in Nicaragua and Eritrea, and remember all who are prevented from freely and publicly professing their faith. Grant consolation to victims of international terrorism, especially in Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique and Nigeria.
“Help Myanmar to pursue paths of peace, and enlighten the hearts of leaders, so that the deeply afflicted Rohingya may encounter justice.”
This Easter message sounds like a major review of all the conflicts around the world. It makes the listener aware that there are serious conflicts happening in almost all continents. In fact, Pope Francis’ Easter message should be must reading for those interested in global geopolitics.
It shows that the world has become engulfed in conflicts and violence transcending religion, race and social classes. The only areas that Pope Francis left out were those of potential conflict like the South China Sea, Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula.
Aside from conflicts among nations, Pope Francis gave a special prayer for victims of these conflicts like refugees, deportees, political prisoners and migrants. He also asked the world to remember the “victims of hunger, poverty and the dire effects of the drug trade, human trafficking and all other forms of slavery.”
In one paragraph, he added a call for humanity to respect human dignity, human rights and democracy, which he called “social wounds.”
He also set goals for leaders of nations to work for the common good of the citizenry. However, Pope Francis also offered a message of hope when he said, “We are not alone; Jesus, the living one is with us forever.” Then he reminded us that on that Easter Sunday, the Church and the world should rejoice “… for the Lord has built us a bridge to life… Brothers and sisters, the destiny of the world was changed.”
Perhaps Pope Francis’ main message was to tell the world: “Let us make haste to surmount our conflicts and divisions and to open our hearts to those in greatest need.”
* * *
Summer Writefest 2023, Write Things’ annual six-session summer workshop now on its 9th year returns on May 15-26. It is open to students aged 8-17. Contact writethingsph@gmail.com or call 0945. 2273216.
Email: elfrencruz@gmail.com