Pope Delivers Urbi at Orbi Easter Message

On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, His Holiness Pope Francis delivered a profound Urbi et Orbi – “to the city (of Rome) and to the world” – message and blessings, echoing the timeless themes of hope for life, peace, reconciliation and fraternity.

“Today,” said His Holiness, “throughout the world there resounds the message proclaimed two thousand years ago from Jerusalem: “Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified, has been raised!” (Mk 16:6).

Pope Francis draws parallels between the great stone that sealed the tomb of Jesus and the modern-day adversities that undermine the hopes of humanity: war, humanitarian crises, human rights violations and human trafficking.

He urges forgiveness of sins and emphasises the importance it plays in removing barriers and fostering a renewed world.

The Holy Father prays for a path of peace for the victims of global conflicts. He expresses his hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine and emphasises the need for humanitarian aid, the release of hostages and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Pope Francis calls war “an absurdity” and states that “peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts.” 

He urges us to remember the long-standing suffering of Syria and its people, torn apart by thirteen years of catastrophic war, as well as seeks consolation for the Lebanese people who endure institutional, social and economic crises, and directs his mind to the Western Balkans, praying for unity despite ethnic, cultural and confessional differences and hoping for these differences to become “a source of enrichment.”

The Supreme Pontiff continues with encouragement for Armenia and Azerbaijan to facilitate an open dialogue that, with the help of the international community, will lead to a definite peace agreement.

He prays for the risen Christ to bring hope to those globally suffering from violence, conflict, food shortages, climate change effects, and terrorism. He implores prayers for the deceased and for the repentance of perpetrators.

The Holy Father pleads for a path to democracy and fraternity in Haiti, afflicted with violence and destruction, and for a path to reconciliation and abandonment of violence, especially towards the Rohingya minority, in Myanmar.

He extends his prayers to African regions grappling with drought and famine, while also urging for peace and an end to conflicts in Sudan, the Sahel region, the Horn of Africa, the Kivu region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique.

Pope Francis calls for solidarity and action to address the plight of migrants and those facing economic hardships. He reflects on God’s boundless love for all humanity and laments the disregard for the sanctity of life when babies are being aborted and when people are denied essential care, die of hunger, or fall victims of abuse, violence and human trafficking. He appeals to political leaders to combat human trafficking vigorously and offer comfort and hope to victims and their families.

“May the light of the resurrection illumine our minds and convert our hearts, and make us aware of the value of every human life, which must be welcomed, protected and loved,” concludes His Holiness, wishing a happy Easter to all.