Shafaqna English– Pope Francis calls for peace worldwide and a Gaza ceasefire.
In the Easter message, Pope Francis spoke first of the Holy Land, “wounded by conflict” and home to an “endless outburst of violence”. He extended his closeness, in particular, to the people of Gaza and to the Christian community in the enclave where “the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.”
“I appeal once again,” he said, “for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and access to humanitarian aid.” His words again called on the international community to act and “come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”
Turning then to Yemen, “experiencing one of the world’s most serious and prolonged humanitarian crises because of war,” Pope Francis invited all those involved to find a solution “through a constructive dialogue.”
Pope Francis did not forget the people of Myanmar, who continue to suffer the effects of conflict and, most recently, the devastating earthquake in Sagaing. He expressed deep sorrow for the thousands who have died, for orphans, and for the elderly who remain. But he also remembered the hope that is emerging from the strife-ridden land: “The announcement of a ceasefire”, he said, “is a sign of hope for the whole of Myanmar”.