Pope Francis leads a reduced Mass on Easter Sunday

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Francis led the service in St. Peter’s Basilica, in a small event due to the precautions of Covid-19.

He also called for vaccines to be shared with the world’s poorest countries.

“The pandemic continues to spread, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. However – and this is outrageous – armed conflicts have not ended and military arsenals are being strengthened,” the pope said. .

“May the efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully continue, with respect for human rights and the sacredness of life, through a fraternal and constructive dialogue in a spirit of reconciliation and true solidarity,” he added.

“May the power of the risen Lord support the peoples of Africa who see their future compromised by domestic violence and international terrorism, especially in the Sahel and Nigeria, as well as in Tigray and the Cabo Delgado region.”
He also addressed younger followers, “especially young people in Myanmar who are committed to supporting democracy and making their voices heard peacefully, knowing that hatred can only be dispelled through love.”

The spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Roman Catholics in the world made multiple references to the pandemic as he spoke, but in the end he focused on a message of hope.

“The risen Christ is hope for all who continue to suffer from the pandemic, both for the sick and for those who have lost a loved one,” he said.

Francis also called vaccines an “essential tool” in the fight against Covid-19. Concern about the nationalism of the vaccine has grown worldwide in recent weeks.

“I urge the entire international community, in a spirit of global responsibility, to commit to overcoming delays in the distribution of vaccines and to facilitating their distribution, especially in the poorest countries,” Francis said on Sunday.

Restrictions in the Vatican

The event marks the second year in a row that Easter crowds have been prevented from gathering at the Vatican due to the global pandemic.

About 200 people attended the secondary altar of St. Peter’s Basilica at all papal services this year.

Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Christian liturgical calendar and marks the day when Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead after being crucified on Good Friday.

The children come to Pope Francis during the Good Friday service

Usually, up to 10,000 members of the faithful fill St. Peter’s Square. This year, Francis gave the blessing on the altar of the basilica to prevent worshipers from crowding into the square.

At an Easter vigil on Saturday, Francis said he hoped the dark times of the pandemic would end and that people would be able to rediscover “the grace of everyday life.”

And on Good Friday he hugged and greeted the children who attended a special ceremony of the Cross Stations at the Vatican.

The Pope’s trip was severely restricted due to the pandemic, but he traveled to Iraq last month for his first papal visit to the country.

Saturday’s service started two hours earlier than usual, so participants could return home before Rome’s time at 22:00.

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