The established Easter message of Urbi et Orbi (to the City and the World) was sent by Pope Francis at the end of the Catholic Easter service. Pope Francis recently asked the more than 100 thousand believers who had gathered in St. Peter’s Square and the surrounding streets, inviting them to follow the path of mutual solidarity, “which must also prevail in relations between nations, states and people”. “Christ is risen,” said the pope and then added, in Greek: “Christ is Risen!”

The pontiff, at the same time, requested that armed conflicts and divisions be overcome, while referring to messages of hope arriving from countries that offer help and support to people who leave wars and poverty behind.

The pontiff appealed to the Lord “to help the dear Ukrainian people on their way to peace and to spread the Easter light, throughout the Russian people.”

He also wished that the wounded and all the families who lost loved ones due to the war would be supported and that the prisoners of war could return home safe and sound.

At the same time, Francis in his message asked for an end to the armed conflicts in Syria, for support to be provided to those affected by the devastating earthquake that occurred in Turkey and in Syria itself, and made clear his concern regarding the attacks of the last few days in the Middle East , “which endanger the necessary climate of trust, so that the dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians can resume”.

Finally, the pontiff, who greeted the cardinals sitting in a wheelchair and then went around the square in the “papa mobile” vehicle, wished that the political situation in Lebanon could be stabilized, that the young people who seek a better future in Tunisia and to overcome in Haiti the social, political and humanitarian crisis which has been plaguing the country for many years.