Pope at “Urbi et orbi”: Let the suffering in the East of Ukraine stop!

Today my thought turns immediately to those directly affected by the coronavirus. For many, this is an Easter of solitude, lived amid the sorrow and hardship that the pandemic is causing, from physical suffering to economic difficulties.

This is what Pope Francis said on April 12, in his Easter message “Urbi et Orbi”.

"May the Lord of life receive the dead in His Kingdom and give comfort and hope to those who are still going through trials, especially those who are old and alone. May His comfort and necessary assistance be enough for those who are in a situation of special vulnerability, such as those who work in medical institutions or live in barracks and prisons. For many people, this is an Easter of loneliness, which is experienced in the midst of mourning and numerous hardships caused by the pandemic, from physical suffering to economic problems," he wished.

The Pope has noted that the European Union today faces an epochal challenge due to the pandemic, which will determine not only its future but also the future of the entire world. Therefore, Europeans must show solidarity and reject the selfishness of individual interests.

The Pope also called for helping the poorest countries cope with the greatest needs by reducing, and even forgiving, the debt weighing on their budgets. He also called for easing international sanctions.

"May the crisis we are experiencing not cause us to forget about the numerous other emergencies that bring suffering to many people," the Pontiff said.

The Roman Hierarch also recalled Ukraine in his speech.

"May Christ, our peace, enlighten those responsible for conflicts to join the call for a global and immediate ceasefire in all corners of the world. This is not the time to continue to manufacture and trade weapons, spending huge capital that should be used to treat people and save lives. May this, on the contrary, be the time to put an end to the long war that has bloodied dear Syria, the conflict in Yemen and the tension in Iraq, as well as in Lebanon. May this be the time when Israelis and Palestinians resume dialogue to find a sustainable and lasting solution that will allow both sides to live in peace. May the suffering of the population of the Eastern regions of Ukraine come to an end. May the terrorist attacks carried out against so many innocent people in different African countries come to an end, " the Pope said.