On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis once again used his Urbi et Orbi message to call for peace in a world troubled by conflict and suffering. Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope, who is still recovering from bilateral pneumonia, greeted the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. The message was read on his behalf by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations.

Pope Francis began his Easter address with the proclamation, “Christ is risen,” emphasizing that the resurrection is not an abstract idea, but a living force that brings healing, challenges, and empowerment. He reminded the faithful that love has triumphed over hatred, light over darkness, and truth over falsehood. Though evil still exists, he said, it no longer has power over those who embrace the grace of Easter.

Turning from this message of faith, Pope addressed the many crises facing humanity. He focused first on the Holy Land, expressing sorrow for the continued violence in Gaza and the suffering of the Christian community there. He called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and access to humanitarian aid, urging the international community to help the people of Gaza who long for peace.

He extended his prayers to Lebanon and Syria, urging the global Church to keep the Christian communities of the Middle East in their thoughts. Regarding Yemen, he described it as one of the world’s most severe and prolonged humanitarian crises and called for a peaceful resolution through constructive dialogue.

Pope Francis also prayed for peace in Ukraine, encouraging continued efforts toward a just and lasting resolution. He spoke of the South Caucasus and the need for reconciliation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In the Western Balkans, he urged leaders to reject destabilizing actions and to choose harmony.

Africa was a significant focus of the Pope’s message. He mentioned the suffering in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Sahel, Horn of Africa, and Great Lakes regions. He condemned attacks on civilians, schools, and humanitarian workers, emphasizing that each life has dignity. He also highlighted the plight of Christians who are unable to freely practice their faith and called for freedom of religion, thought, and expression across the continent.

In a broader appeal, Pope Francis urged world leaders to break down political, economic, and spiritual barriers that divide humanity. He called on nations to redirect resources from rearmament to addressing hunger, fostering development, and caring for the vulnerable. These, he said, are the true weapons of peace.

Pope also remembered the people of Myanmar, who have endured both ongoing conflict and a recent devastating earthquake. He noted the announcement of a ceasefire as a hopeful sign for the nation’s future.

He concluded his message by advocating for the release of prisoners of war and political detainees, especially in this Jubilee year. He lamented the global thirst for violence and death and prayed that humanity and compassion would guide our daily actions.

Pope Francis ended his Easter message with a reminder of the ultimate promise of Easter—that through Christ’s resurrection, all are called to a life beyond death, where peace will reign and suffering will cease.