In an Easter message highlighting hope, the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis has invoked prayers for both the Ukrainian and Russian people, praised nations which welcome refugees, and called on Israelis and Palestinians wracked by the latest surge in deadly violence to forge a “climate of trust.”
Francis, along with dozens of prelates and thousands of faithful, marked Christianity’s most joyful day with Mass in a flower-adorned St Peter’s Square.
Easter proclaims the Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead after crucifixion.
Encouraging “trust among individuals, peoples and nations,” Francis said the joyful expression of Easter “illumines the darkness and gloom in which all too often, our world finds itself enveloped.”
Since Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022, Pope Francis has repeatedly called for the fighting to end and sought prayers for the “martyred” Ukrainian people.
Ukrainian diplomats have complained that he has not come down hard enough in his statements on Russia and particularly Russian President Vladimir Putin as the Vatican tries to avoid alienating Russia.
“Help the beloved Ukrainian people on their journey towards peace, and shed the light of Easter upon the people of Russia,” Francis implored God in his Easter speech, which he delivered while sitting in a chair on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica facing the square.
“Comfort the wounded and all those who have lost loved ones because of the war, and grant that prisoners may return safe and sound to their families.”
He urged the international community to work to end the war in Ukraine and “all conflict and bloodshed in the world, beginning with Syria, which still awaits peace.”
Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, on his part, canvassed forgiveness and reconciliation among Nigerians.
He congratulated Christians on the commemoration of another Easter that marked the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ which brought salvation to mankind.
Governor Lalong stated this in his Easter message, in which he expressed delight that God has continued to preserve Nigerians and demonstrated His love and compassion for the peace, unity and progress of the country.
He said through his death and resurrection, Jesus Christ has demonstrated selflessness and redeemed humanity from condemnation and chaos, giving hope and optimism for a good life on earth and in eternity.
According to a statement by Lalong’s spokesman, Dr Makut Simon Macham, Lalong urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, sacrifice and reconciliation which are the dominant virtues that Jesus Christ bequeathed to mankind as a result of his death, burial and resurrection.