Pope Francis prays for peace in Ukraine, Syria in Easter greeting
Marking the most hopeful days of Christianity , Francis Pope makes plea for peace Easter Sunday and dialogue in Ukraine and Syria , to put an end to terrorist attacks against Christians in Nigeria and to pay more attention to hunger and the need close to home .
More than 150,000 travelers - Rome and pilgrims , young and old - turned out to Francis celebrated Mass at the altar was set up under a canopy on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica .
So great was their number that they overflowed from St. Peter's wide , is decorated with row after row of potted daffodils , hyacinths blue sprays and bunches of white roses . Waving the flag of the Pope native Argentina and Brazil , Mexico , the UK , Poland and many other countries , they also fill the wide boulevard leading from the square to the Tiber River .
Easter is the culmination of Holy Week and marks the Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead after his crucifixion .
Francis noted that this year's celebration of Catholic Easter coincide with the Orthodox churches , which has many followers in Ukraine .
Francis prayed for God to " enlighten and inspire initiatives that promote peace in Ukraine , so that all involved , with the support of the international community , will make every effort to prevent violence . "
In eastern Ukraine , this holiday was marred by fatal shootings Sunday triggered by tensions between pro - Russia in the east and those loyal to the interim government in Kiev . The clashes appeared to defy international agreements reached last week with the hope of an end to months of unrest .
Francis also pray that all parties in Syria will be transferred to " dare to negotiate a peace that has been long awaited and long overdue . " Syria has been hit by three years of civil war that has claimed 150,000 lives and forced millions to flee the country .
Christians make up about 5 percent of the Syrian population . In comments to mark Easter there , patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Christians vowed that there " will not surrender " to the extremists who attacked " our people and holy places . "
Francis made a pilgrimage to Jordan , Palestine and Israel next month , so on Easter Sunday he was praying that the expectations triggered by the resumption of Middle East peace talks will be maintained .
Thousands of pilgrims from around the world flocked to celebrate Easter in the Holy Land , where the Christian community , as well as elsewhere in the Middle East , has been declining as the faithful flee the regional turmoil .
Francis also spoke about those suffering in Africa from deadly Ebola epidemic and urged cessation " brutal terrorist attack " on the part of Nigeria .
Nigeria marked Easter with high security against Islamic insurgency spreads , mourning the deaths of 75 victims of the bomb blast and the fear of the fate of 85 students were kidnapped . Homegrown terror network Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for last week's rush-hour blasts in the capital , Abuja , and threatened more attacks .
In Venezuela , there is hope the Vatican mediation to help end violent political unrest in the country , and Francis urged that " the heart will switch to brotherly reconciliation and harmony " in there .
But the message of Easter Francis ' also urged people to pay attention to the poor close to home . He said the "good news " the joy of Easter means " leave themselves behind and face the other person , which is close to those affected by the problem of life , sharing with the needy, standing at the side of the sick , the elderly and wasted . "
He denounced ` ' scourge of hunger , " which he said ` ' exacerbated by conflict and by the huge waste that we are often responsible . "
Francis has set a harsh tone in his papacy , apostolic palace decoration left the apartment for a simple guesthouse on the grounds of the Vatican and refused limousine for a regular car . . continue reading...
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