"Let us not allow the ongoing hostilities to continue to have serious repercussions on the civilian population, now exhausted, and above all on children. How much suffering we see in the eyes of children. Children in those lands of war have forgotten to smile. With their gaze we they ask: why? Why so much death? Why so much destruction? War is always an absurdity and a defeat! Let us not let ever stronger winds of war blow over Europe and the Mediterranean. Let us not give in to the logic of weapons and rearmament Peace is never built with weapons, but by holding out hands and opening hearts." Pope Francis said it in the Easter Message 'Urbi et Orbi'
LIVE FROM ST. PETER'S SQUARE
Pope Francis presided over the Easter Sunday mass in the Vatican churchyard. At the end of the celebration, Pope Francis got into the open 'popemobile' and went around the various sectors of St. Peter's Square to greet and bless the tens of thousands of pilgrims present, who cheered him loudly. The Pope also 'trespassed' from the Vatican territory for a while, crossing Piazza Pio XII and the first part of Via della Conciliazione, to also greet the faithful who were waiting for him beyond the barriers.
For further information Agenzia ANSA The Pope's complicated Triduum presides over the Easter vigil - News - Ansa.it After giving up at the last moment to attend the Via Crucis at the Colosseum. The Pontiff is expected today at the Easter Sunday mass in St. Peter's Square and at the Urbi et Orbi blessing (ANSA)
Patriarch of Venice, 'Holy Father witness of peace and justice'
"Let us address an affectionate thought to the Holy Father who, in a few days, will be here in Venice; the meeting with the successor of Peter pushes us to look to the risen Jesus to be, especially today, witnesses of mercy, peace and justice between people and peoples". The Patriarch of Venice, Francesco Moraglia, said it today in the homily of the Easter mass in the Basilica of San Marco, in reference to the Pope's next visit to the Lagoon. "Finally, we entrust his person and his ministry - he added - to the maternal guidance of our Madonna della Salute".
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