In the face of ongoing global conflicts, Pope Francis, in his annual “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and to the world) blessing on April 20, Easter Sunday, called for ceasefires among warring countries, and for the liberation of political prisoners worldwide.
Francis focused his Easter message on war-torn countries such as Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, Myanmar, Middle East, and parts of Africa.
Addressed to Gaza, the Catholic head cited the conflict as one that “continues to generate death and destruction, and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.”
“I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages, and come to the aid of starving people,” he said.
Parallel to the Israel-Palestine war, Francis also appealed to political leaders globally to “not yield to the logic of fear.”
“I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger, and to encourage initiatives that promote development,” the pope said.
“May the risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, His easter gift of peace, and encourage all parties involved to pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace,” the message likewise included.
Similarly, the pope likewise lamented the violence in African regions of Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and South Sudan, against Christians who are persecuted for their faith.
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others,” Francis stated.
In an apparent call for peace, the pope also called for disarmament and demilitarization in areas of conflict—likewise advocating for the release of war and political prisoners.
“In the face of cruelty of conflicts that involve defenseless civilians and attack schools, hospitals, and humanitarian workers, we cannot allow ourselves to forget that it is not targets that are struck, but persons, each possessed of a soul and human dignity,” the message contains.
In celebration of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, the pope’s blessing likewise reflected upon Christ as “the basis of our hope,” where hope “does not delude but empowers.”
This year’s “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, often given by the pope himself on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday, was read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, in light of the ailing pope’s health condition.
