Pope Francis Asks for Prayers for Ukraine, Russia People in His Easter Sunday Address
Pope Francis called for prayers for people in Ukraine and Russia during the Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.
The pope also lauded nations that welcomed refugees and called on Israelis and Palestinians affected by the latest deadly violence to create a "climate of trust," according to NPR.
The Easter Sunday message of the pope was "Urbi et Orbi" in Latin, which means "to the city and the world."
Syria and Turkey were also included in the prayers of Francis, especially those who lost their loved ones in an earthquake two months ago.
The Catholic church leader has repeatedly called for the end of the fighting and sought prayers for the "martyred" Ukrainian people since the start of the invasion in February 2022.
Francis also prayed for national leaders to ensure "that no man or woman" may face any discrimination" with full respect for human rights and democracy. Lebanon, South Sudan, and Congo were also mentioned in the prayers of the pope.
Pope Francis on Ukraine-Russia War
Pope Francis also prayed for help for "beloved Ukrainian people" towards their journey to peace while imploring God to shed "the light of Easter" on the people of Russia.
According to Ukraine's General Staff of the Armed Forces, Russian forces launched 40 airstrikes between Saturday and Sunday mornings, four of those being missile strikes and 58 attacks from multiple-rocket launchers on different parts of Ukraine.
Al Jazeera reported that the Russian attacks were centered in the Donetsk province. The pope has earlier made statements about the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Francis said in March that several interests are involved in the ongoing war in Ukraine, not just Russia.
The pope went on to say that the conflict was triggered by the "imperial interests" of empires from elsewhere, not just the Russian empire, Reuters reported.
Francis then expressed readiness to talk to the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, to call for peace.
Ukraine-Russia War
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Russia during his nightly speech for the deadly attack reported overnight.
Zelenskyy noted that it was how the "terrorist state" celebrated this year's Easter Sunday. At least two people were killed when Russia struck the southern city of Zaporizhzhia overnight.
The casualties were reported to be s 50-year-old man and his 11-year-old daughter after the strikes partially destroyed a residential building. CNN reported that rescuers also managed to pull out a 46-year-old woman stuck under the rubble.
Meanwhile, farmers in central and eastern Europe protested this week against the effect of cheap Ukrainian grain imports, with its undercut domestic prices.
The Ukrainian grain's low price has also caused some complaints from local producers, saying they cannot compete with such cost. The producers then asked the European Commission for compensation.
Zelenskyy also delivered an Eastern Sunday message, congratulating Ukrainians and all Christians who are celebrating the event.
The Ukrainian president said that despite the difference in religions, the people in Ukraine "share the same belief in freedom."
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Mary Webber
WATCH: Pope Francis Prays for Ukrainians and Russians at Easter Mass - From NBC News
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