In the first mass presided over in Angola, speaking Portuguese, he said that Easter joy does not ignore human suffering, but accepts it and transforms it in the light of faith, and turned his attention to the current scenarios of war in the world. He said he was deeply saddened by the recent escalation of attacks against Ukraine, which continue to target civilians.
“I express my solidarity with those who are suffering and I assure the entire Ukrainian people of my prayers. I renew my appeal for the guns to remain silent and for the path of dialogue to follow”, he said.
Despite uncertainty about the war in the Middle East, the pope said the ceasefire announced in Lebanon offers reason for hope. As stated in a post on X, the truce represents a glimmer of relief for the Lebanese people and the Levant.
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“I encourage those working for a diplomatic solution to continue peace talks so that the cessation of hostilities across the Middle East can become permanent,” he said.
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During the homily, Leo XIV said that it is necessary to look to the future with hope and build hope for the future. “Let us not be afraid to do so! The Resurrected Jesus, who walks with us and breaks like bread, encourages us to be witnesses of his resurrection and protagonists of a new humanity and a new society.”
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration this Sunday, the pontiff prayed the traditional Regina Caeli prayer with the faithful, in Explanada de Kimbala, on the outskirts of Luanda, where more than 100,000 people participated in the Holy Mass on this second day of the apostolic trip to Angola, according to the Vatican website.
“Dear brothers and sisters, let us now unite in prayer to Maria Regina Caeli, Queen of Heaven, to share with Her, our Mother and companion on the journey, the joy of the Resurrection.”
