Pope Francis delivered a message of hope and unity on Easter Sunday, calling for freedom of religion, thought, and expression, as well as respect for the views of others. The Pope’s address also highlighted the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine and an end to global antisemitism.
As thousands of worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to wish ‘Happy Easter’ to the faithful. The 88-year-old pontiff, who had been discharged from hospital just a week ago after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia, made his traditional Easter address via a clergy member.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the 266th and current Pope of the Catholic Church.
He was elected on March 13, 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.
Born in Argentina in 1936, he studied to become a chemist before entering the Jesuit order.
He served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 to 2013.
Known for his humility and commitment to social justice, Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of caring for the poor and protecting the environment.
The Pope’s message was one of hope and unity, calling for freedom of religion, thought, and expression, as well as respect for the views of others. He expressed his closeness to the sufferings of all people, particularly those affected by conflict and humanitarian crises. ‘There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others,’ he said.
Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right, enshrined in various international treaties and national constitutions.
It allows individuals to practice their faith without fear of persecution or reprisal.
According to the Pew Research Center, over 84% of the world's population identifies with a particular religion.
In many countries, freedom of religion is protected by law, but its implementation varies greatly.
For instance, some countries have strict blasphemy laws, while others have laws that restrict proselytizing or conversion.
The Pope’s address also highlighted the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine and an end to global antisemitism. He called on all parties involved in the conflict to pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace. The message was a call to action, urging people to work towards a future of peace and understanding.
Peace and understanding are fundamental components of a harmonious society.
They foster empathy, tolerance, and respect for diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Studies have shown that communities with high levels of peace and understanding experience reduced conflict and improved mental health outcomes.
In fact, according to the Global Peace Index, countries with higher levels of peacefulness tend to have stronger economies and more stable governments.
By promoting peace and understanding, individuals can contribute to creating a more compassionate and inclusive world.
A Jubilee Year of Reflection and Renewal
This Easter Sunday marked a special jubilee year for the Catholic Church, one that takes place every 25 years and sees millions of pilgrims descend on Rome. The Pope had been seen out twice this week prior to the celebrations, despite missing the majority of Holy Week events.
For the first time since becoming pope in 2013, he had delegated his duties to cardinals during Easter vigil at St Peter’s Basilica. However, during a brief appearance inside the basilica on Saturday, he prayed and gave sweets to children.
The Pope has suffered a number of health issues throughout his life, including having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21, making him more prone to infections. Despite these challenges, he continues to serve as a symbol of hope and unity for millions around the world.
A Private Meeting with US Vice-President JD Vance
On Sunday morning, US Vice-President JD Vance – a Roman Catholic who converted as an adult – had a brief private meeting with the Pope. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with ‘good existing bilateral relations‘ and a ‘common commitment‘ to protect freedom of religion.
Their meeting was part of a busy schedule for the US Vice-President, who arrived in Rome on Friday and met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State and Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisation on Saturday. The private meeting between the Pope and Vice-President Vance was a rare opportunity for the two leaders to discuss their shared values and concerns.
