Easter Sunday: Pope Francis prays for peace in Ukraine, Venezuela and Syria

Before giving his Urbi et Orbi blessing, the Pope prayed for peace in the world. “Help us to overcome the scourge of hunger, aggravated by conflicts and by the immense wastefulness for which we are often responsible,” he said.

“We ask you, Lord Jesus, to put an end to all war and every conflict, whether great or small, ancient or recent”.

“We pray in a particular way for Syria, that all those suffering the effects of the conflict can receive needed humanitarian aid and that neither side will again use deadly force, especially against the defenseless civil population, but instead boldly negotiate the peace long awaited and long overdue!”

“We ask that hearts be turned to reconciliation and fraternal concord in Venezuela”.

By your resurrection, which this year we celebrate together with the Churches that follow the Julian calendar, we ask you to enlighten and inspire the initiatives that promote peace in Ukraine so that all those involved, with the support of the international community, will make every effort to prevent violence and, in a spirit of unity and dialogue, chart a path for the country’s future.

Easter Sunday: Pope prays for peace in Ukraine, Venezuela and Syria