It’s Easter and the pope is urging peace in Ukraine, citing nuclear threat

VATICAN: On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis issued an emotional plea for peace amid the “senseless” Ukrainian war and other global conflicts, citing the “troubling” prospect of nuclear war.

From the central balcony of St. Peter’s Square, Francis remarked, “May there be peace for war-torn Ukraine, so sorely tried by the violence and destruction of this cruel and senseless war into which it was dragged.”

The pope had just completed celebrating Easter Mass in the piazza, which had been empty since the pandemic began in early 2020. When he named Ukraine, many of the 50,000 people on the square and surrounding road applauded.

“Please, please, let us not get used to war,” Francis warned, after decrying “the flexing of muscles while people are suffering.” Again, the pope condemned the war in Ukraine without blaming Russian President Vladimir Putin for the invasion and attack on Feb. 24.

Let us all commit ourselves to implore peace, from our balconies and in our streets, “Francis said. “May the leaders of nations hear the people’s plea for peace.

“Shall we put an end to the human race, or shall mankind renounce war?” Francis asked, referring to the possibility of nuclear war.

In his “Urbi et Orbi” speech, Francis also addressed past wars.

“May the conflict in Europe make us more concerned about other situations of conflict, suffering, and sorrow that affect far too many areas of our world, situations that we cannot ignore and do not want to forget,” Francis said.

The pope mentioned Middle Eastern issues, among others. He urged peace and reconciliation in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.

He mentioned Libya and Yemen, “which suffers from a conflict forgotten by all.”

Earlier, the pontiff staggered badly to an altar put up in front of St. Peter’s Basilica.

After Mass, Francis greeted prelates and boarded the white popemobile to meet shouting believers.

He waved and touched a baby’s head. The pope’s smiles when welcoming the audience were a welcome change from his recent gloomy denunciations of the Ukrainian bloodshed.

Meanwhile, in London, Archbishop Justin Welby urged Russia to halt hostilities and leave Ukraine. Easter is a time for peace, not “blood and iron,” declared the Anglican bishop.

Welby urged Russia to disengage from Ukraine and commit to dialogue, noting that Holy Week begins Sunday and Easter is on April 24.

Welby also said the British government’s recent intention to transfer some asylum seekers to Rwanda was against God.

As a result of the warm weather and relaxation of several pandemic restrictions, Rome has seen a surge in tourism, with many visitors flocking to the city for Holy Week and Easter celebrations.

Following the lifting of most health restrictions, believers and secularists returned to Holy Week processions in considerable numbers for the first time since the pandemic began.

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