Italian
Pope Francis, at 12 o’clock this morning, from the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, addressed Easter greetings to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square and to those listening through the radio, television, and other means of communication. Then the Pontiff handed over the reading of the Easter Message to Monsignor Diego Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations.
“Christ is risen! In this announcement is enclosed the whole meaning of our existence, which is not made for death but for life. Easter is the feast of life! God created us for life and wants humanity to rise again! In His eyes, every life is precious! The life of a child in the womb of his mother, as well as that of the elderly or the sick, considered in an increasing number of countries as disposable people.” wrote the Pope in the Message.
“How much desire for death do we see every day in the many conflicts that affect different parts of the world! How much violence do we often see even in families, against women or children! How much contempt is sometimes nurtured towards the weakest, the marginalized, the migrants!”
The Pope has extended an invitation to the world: “On this day, I would like us to return to hoping and trusting in others, even in those who are not close to us or come from distant lands with customs, ways of living, ideas, and traditions different from those most familiar to us, because we are all children of God!” And he added: “I would like us to return to hoping that peace is possible!”
And in conclusion of the Message, he appealed to all those in the world who have political responsibilities “not to give in to the logic of fear that closes, but to use the resources available to help those in need, fight hunger, and promote initiatives that foster development. These are the ‘weapons’ of peace: those that build the future, instead of sowing death!”
Photo by Romano Siciliani
