VATICAN CITY (AP) – Pope Francis, in his traditional Easter Sunday speech, denounced as “scandalous” how armed conflicts continue to escalate, even when the coronavirus pandemic has caused severe suffering social and economic and has increased the ranks of the poor.
Francis tempered his speech “Urbi et Orbi” (in Latin for “In the City and in the World”) wishes for joy on the day of the Christian holiday along with the accounts of the pain of the world’s many armed conflicts in the Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe.
Describing vaccines as an “essential tool” in the pandemic battle, Francis called for a “spirit of global responsibility,” as he encouraged nations to overcome “delays in vaccine distribution” and ensure that shots are fired. reach the poorest nations.
“Everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us, requires assistance and has a right to access the care they need.” said the pontiff.
A note of indignation sounded at the beginning of his speech, denouncing that there has been no shortage of war and conflict during the world’s worst health crisis in a century.
“The pandemic is still spreading, while the economic and social crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Still, and this is outrageous, the armed conflicts are not over and the military arsenals are being strengthened, “said Francis, who seems angry.” This is today’s scandal. “
The pontiff called on public authorities to ensure that those in need of help have a “decent standard of living. Unfortunately, the pandemic has drastically increased the number of the poor and the despair of thousands.”
He lamented the plight of people affected by war and other conflicts, and cited Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world and which has been devastated by violent protests and political conflicts, including an alleged coup. Francis urged Haitians “not to be overwhelmed by difficulties, but to look to the future with confidence and hope.”
Francis offered encouragement to young people in Myanmar who are “committed to supporting democracy and making their voices heard peacefully.” Protesters in Myanmar took to the streets with painted eggs in reference to Easter. Myanmar’s army has violently tried to overthrow those opposed to a February 1 coup that ousted a democratically elected government.
Francis thanked Lebanon and Jordan for hosting refugees from the war in Syria, praying that peace will finally come to “millions living in inhumane conditions.” He also prayed to end the conflicts in Yemen and Libya.
Citing the suffering of the people in Africa, he denounced “domestic violence and international terrorism, especially in the Sahel and Nigeria.” Other troubled areas he mentioned were Tigray province, Ethiopia, and Cape Delgado province in Mozambique, which has been bloodied for days of fighting with rebels for control of a city.
Francis prayed for the safe return home of prisoners of long conflict in Europe, eastern Ukraine and Nagorno-Karabkh.
Earlier in the day, Francis celebrated Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, where the faithful of the banks barely counted 200 according to the pandemic protocols, compared to the usual thousands.
Normally, Francis gave his Easter speech on world affairs which is delivered from the central balcony of the basilica overlooking St. Peter’s Square. Instead, for the second consecutive Easter, he read it inside to deter crowds from gathering.
“Dear brothers and sisters, one more year, in various places, many Christians have celebrated Easter under severe restrictions and sometimes without being able to attend liturgical celebrations,” Francis said, before offering a special apostolic blessing to the faithful from all over the world.
“We pray that these restrictions, as well as all restrictions on freedom of worship and religion around the world, may be lifted, and that everyone may pray and praise God freely,” the pontiff said.