Pope Francis calls for peace and unity on Easter

VATICAN — On the occasion of Easter, Pope Francis delivered a message to the world, praying for security and peace in societies affected by crises. He urged all parties to hasten reconciliation and build bridges of trust, especially in conflict areas like the Middle East.

In his annual message, the Pope expressed his wishes that Easter would bring new hope to the conflict zones in Russia and Ukraine, offering consolation to the wounded and those who lost loved ones in war. He also prayed for an end to conflicts that bleed the world, starting with Syria, which is still waiting for peace.

The Pope also expressed his concern about the current events in Jerusalem that could disturb the atmosphere of mutual dialogue between the two parties to the conflict in Palestine.

Lebanon was also in his prayers as it is still searching for stability and unity. The Pope urged all citizens to work together for the country’s common good.

In his message to the world, the Pope included the countries of Haiti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nicaragua, and Eritrea, in addition to Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, and Nigeria, all countries suffering from social and economic crises and extremist movements. He offered condolences to refugees, deportees, political prisoners, and migrants, especially the most vulnerable, as well as those who suffer from hunger, poverty, and the ill effects of drug trafficking, human trafficking, and all forms of slavery.