The Pope, who appeared as an outspoken critic of the war in Iran, in a special message to the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, expressed his regret that people “get used to violence, make peace with it and become indifferent.”
– Let those who have weapons lay down! – called the first American Pope.
– Let those who have the power to start wars choose peace! – he said.
Leo did not mention any specific conflicts in the message, known as the blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world). It was unusually short and direct, according to Reuters.
The Pope said the story of Easter, when the Bible says Jesus rose from the dead three days after he did not resist his execution by crucifixion, shows that Christ was “completely non-violent”.
– On this day of celebration, let us abandon any desire for conflict, domination and power and ask the Lord to grant his peace to a world devastated by wars – the Pope appealed.
Leo, who is known for choosing his words carefully, has in recent weeks strongly condemned the violent conflicts around the world and stepped up criticism of the Iran war.
In a sermon for the Easter vigil on Saturday night, he urged people not to feel numb to the scale of conflict raging around the world, but to work for peace.
On Tuesday, he made a rare direct appeal to US President Donald Trump, urging him to find a “way out” to end the Iran war.
In his address from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, Leo delivered brief Easter greetings in ten languages, including Latin, Arabic and Chinese.
The Pope also announced that he will return to the Basilica on April 11 to hold a prayer vigil for peace.
(Vijesti.ba / Fena)
