Despite not being able to read the message personally, Francisco thrilled faithful from the whole planet with a text full of faith and hope
The world dawned in mourning on Monday with the news of Pope Francis’ death. .
As a kind of farewell, his last public words were read during the traditional blessing “Urbi et orbi” at the time of Easter – the maximum feast of the Catholic faith.
Although he could not personally read the message because of the worsening of his clinical condition, Francisco was thrilled faithful from the whole planet with a text full of faith and hope, read by Monsignor Diego Ravelli, master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, from the Central Balcony of the Basilica of St. Peter.
Even fragile, the Pope still waved to the thousands of faithful present in São Pedro Square, wishing one last and significant “Happy Easter”.
“Christ has risen! In this announcement all the meaning of our existence, which was not made for death, but for life is made. Easter is the feast of life!” He wrote.
In his message, the Pope stressed that God wants humanity to resurface and that all lives – from the child in the womb to the elderly or the sick – are precious. It was a cry for human dignity, especially in times of war, domestic violence, forced migration and exclusion.
Francisco did not ignore the pains of the world. He remembered armed conflicts in different parts of the planet and declared himself concerned about the “dramatic and ignoble” situation in Gaza.
He asked for peace from the Middle East, especially for Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, and also to the African continent, as Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, South Sudan and the horn of Africa. In his speech, he also mentioned the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, aggravated by a recent earthquake.
Firmly, he condemned the armamentism and summoned the world leaders a prioritizing the poor, the hungry, and sustainable development.
“These are the ‘weapons’ of peace: those that build the future instead of spreading death!” He wrote. The Pope has asked that the “principle of humanity” will never be forgotten, especially in war scenarios that destroy hospitals, schools and reach innocent. “They are not targets. They are people with soul and dignity,” he said.
In a symbolic and touching gesture, he wished this Easter was an occasion to free prisoners of war and political prisoners. And he concluded: “In the Easter of the Lord, death and life have faced each other in an admirable combat, but now the Lord lives forever. Happy Easter to all!”
