(Vatican Radio) “Christ is our peace, and through him we implore peace for all the
world”: Peace for the people of Syria, torn apart by bloodshed, for the Middle East
and Iraq; Peace in Africa, for Mali, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and
the Central African Republic; Peace in Asia, above all on the Korean Peninsula .Emer
McCarthy reports Listen:
In
the first Urbi et Orbi message of his pontificate this Easter Sunday, Pope Francis
invited people of all ages, from all walks of life to “ask the risen Jesus, who turns
death into life, to change hatred into love, vengeance into forgiveness, war into
peace”.
Sunday morning St Peter’s Square was transformed into an open air garden
by a multitude of flowers and a mercifully warm sun after a night of storms. Despite
the threat of more rain, the people came in their tens of thousands filling the square
and the long boulevard that leads to Bernini’s columns to take part in Pope Francis’
first celebration of Easter Mass.
The mood was of solemn participation until
the end of the celebration when the Holy Father made a brief tour of the square, and
the multitude exploded in a unanimous cheer. Suddenly the flags of the world were
unfurled and banners from parishes and catholic associations greeting the Pope were
held on high.
The tour was brief, as the Holy Father entered the basilica to
make his way to the central loggia of the hall of blessings from where he delivered
his first ever message as Pope to the city of Rome and to the world.
And Pope
Francis implored God for Peace. “Peace for the Middle East, and particularly between
Israelis and Palestinians, who struggle to find the road of agreement, that they may
willingly and courageously resume negotiations to end a conflict that has lasted all
too long. Peace in Iraq, that every act of violence may end, and above all for dear
Syria, for its people torn by conflict and for the many refugees who await help and
comfort. How much blood has been shed! And how much suffering must there still be
before a political solution to the crisis will be found?
Peace for Africa,
still the scene of violent conflicts. In Mali, may unity and stability be restored;
in Nigeria, where attacks sadly continue, gravely threatening the lives of many innocent
people, and where great numbers of persons, including children, are held hostage by
terrorist groups. Peace in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the
Central African Republic, where many have been forced to leave their homes and continue
to live in fear.
Peace in Asia, above all on the Korean peninsula: may disagreements
be overcome and a renewed spirit of reconciliation grow.
Peace in the whole
world, still divided by greed looking for easy gain, wounded by the selfishness which
threatens human life and the family, selfishness that continues in human trafficking,
the most extensive form of slavery in this twenty-first century. Peace to the whole
world, torn apart by violence linked to drug trafficking and by the iniquitous exploitation
of natural resources! Peace to this our Earth! Made the risen Jesus bring comfort
to the victims of natural disasters and make us responsible guardians of creation”.
The
transforming power of the Easter message was also the focus of Pope Francis homily
for the Great Easter Vigil, Saturday night. He had appealed to people not to be
closed to the newness that God wants to bring into our lives, through Christ’s resurrection.
As
the Exultet or Easter Proclamation, broke through the silence of Holy Saturday and
the Paschal candle which he blessed and carried illuminated the dark of St Peter’s
basilica, the Holy Father invited men and women, believers and those who have fallen
away from the to welcome " God’s surprises" in our lives and not be afraid".
Reflecting
on the fear of the women who found the empty tomb and the amazement of Peter on hearing
the news as recounted in the Gospel, he noted “Our daily problems and worries can
wrap us up in ourselves, in sadness and bitterness... and that is where death is.
That is not the place to look for the One who is alive!”. He said “Let us not close
our hearts, let us not lose confidence, let us never give up: there are no situations
which God cannot change, there is no sin which he cannot forgive if only we open ourselves
to him".
On Easter Sunday he concluded: “Dear brothers and sisters, who have
come from all over the world to this Square, the heart of Christianity, and all of
you joining us via communications media, I renew my wishes for a Happy Easter! Bring
to your families and your nations the message of joy of hope and peace that each year
is powerfully renewed on this day. May the Risen Lord, who defeated sin and death,
support us all especially the weakest and those most in need. Thank you for your
presence and the witness of your faith. A thought and a particular thanks for the
gift of these beautiful flowers from the Netherlands. I affectionately repeat to
all of you: May the Risen Christ guide you and all humanity on the paths of justice,
love and peace!” And then to the delight of those gathered he imparted his Apostolic
Blessing and wished a Happy Easter to all!