VATICAN CITY (AP) – Pope Francis, in his traditional Easter Sunday speech, denounced as “scandalous” the way in which armed conflicts continue to erupt, even though the coronavirus pandemic has triggered severe social and economic suffering and inflated the ranks of the poor. .
Francis tempered his address “Urbi et Orbi” (Latin for “To the City and the World”) wishes for joy on the day of the Christian holiday, along with reports of the pain caused by the many armed conflicts of the globe in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America , Asia and Eastern Europe.
Describing vaccines as an “essential tool” in the pandemic fight, Francis called for a “spirit of global responsibility” as he encouraged nations to overcome “delays in vaccine distribution” and ensure that shootings reach the poorest nations.
“Everyone, especially the most vulnerable of us, needs assistance and has the right to access the care they need.” said the pontiff.
He sounded indignant at the beginning of his speech, denouncing the absence of war and conflict during the worst health crisis in the world in a century.
“The pandemic continues to spread, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. However – and this is outrageous – the armed conflicts have not ended and the military arsenals are being strengthened, “said Francis, looking upset. “This is today’s scandal.”
The pontiff prayed for public authorities to ensure that those in need of assistance have a “decent standard of living. Unfortunately, the pandemic has dramatically increased the number of the poor and the despair of thousands. ”
He lamented the plight of people affected by war and other conflicts, citing Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world and 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 holding painted eggs in reference to Easter. The Myanmar 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 receiving refugees from the war in Syria, praying that peace would finally come “millions live in inhumane conditions.” He also prayed for an end to the conflicts in Yemen and Libya.
Citing the suffering of the people of Africa, he denounced “domestic violence and international terrorism, especially in the Sahel and Nigeria.” Other troubled areas he mentioned were Tigray province in Ethiopia and Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique, which has been bloodied by days of fighting with rebels for control of a city.
Francis prayed for the safe return of prisoners from long-running conflicts in Europe, eastern Ukraine and Nagorno-Karabkh.
Earlier in the day, Francis celebrated the Passover Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, where believers in the pews barely numbered 200 according to 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 discourage the crowds from gathering.
“Dear brothers and sisters, once again this year, in various places, many Christians have celebrated Easter under severe restrictions and sometimes without being able to participate in the liturgical feasts,” said Francis, before offering a special apostolic blessing. believers around the world.
“We pray that these restrictions, as well as all restrictions on freedom of worship and religion worldwide, will be lifted and that everyone will be allowed to pray and praise God freely,” the pontiff said.