Pope's Easter messageand In this violent world, what we need is Christ's resurrection
Church • 05:11 AM Tue Apr 7, 2015
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By:
Ann Schneible (CNA/EWTN)
Pope Francis gives the Urbi et Orbi blessing April 5, 2015. Creditand L'Osservatore Romano
VATICAN CITY ( rel= href= and//www.catholicnewsagency.com CNA/EWTN News ) -
Pope Francis reminded Christians this Easter of the strength which
comes from Christ’s death and resurrection, calling them to be witnesses
of peace and justice, especially for those suffering today in regions
of extreme violence and persecution.
From the risen Lord we ask the grace not to succumb to the pride which
fuels violence and war, but to have the humble courage of pardon and
peace,” the pontiff said to tens of thousands of cold, rain-soaked
pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday Mass.
Delivering the traditional Urbi et Orbi address from the central
balcony of the basilica after the Mass, the Pope asked Jesus, as the
Victor over death, to lighten the sufferings of our many brothers and
sisters who are persecuted for his name, and of all those who suffer
injustice as a result of ongoing conflicts and violence.”
Pope Francis listed by name some of the current conflict zones around
the world, especially the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine, and called
for peace in those regions of ongoing violence.
He made particular mention of Kenya, which is still reeling from the
massacre of 148 young people at Garissa University College on Thursday.
The pontiff also appealed for peace and freedom” for victims of
slavery, drug dealers, and peace for this world subjected to arms
dealers.”
Looking down from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on the scores of
pilgrims with their umbrellas, braving the inclement weather, the Pope
appealed for all those sufferingand the marginalized, the imprisoned, the
poor and the migrants who are so often rejected, maltreated and
discarded, the sick and the suffering, children, especially those who
are victims of violence.”
He called on them to listen to Jesus’ consoling wordsand Fear not, for I am risen and I shall always be with you.”
By the death and resurrection celebrated on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis
said, Jesus shows everyone the way to life and happinessand this way is
humility, which involves humiliation. This is the path which leads to
glory.”
Christians, by the grace of Christ, dead and risen, are the seeds of
another humanity, in which we seek to live in service to one another,
not to be arrogant, but rather respectful and ready to help.”
This grace is a strength, not a weakness, the Pope said. Rather, those
who bear within them God’s power, his love and his justice, do not need
to employ violence they speak and act with the power of truth, beauty
and love.”