Pope Francis sent a message of hope during the service held at the Vatican on the eve of Catholic Easter.
The service ended before 22:00 (Italian time) so that the faithful can return to their homes before the curfew takes effect as part of the COVID-19 restrictive measures.
“In this Galilee, we learn to be amazed by the Lord’s infinite love, which opens new trails along the path of our defeats,” said the Pope. “From the rubble of our hearts God can create a work of art; from the ruined remnants of our humanity, God can prepare a new history,” added Pope Francis.
“In these dark months of the pandemic, listen to the Risen Lord as He invites us to begin anew and never lose hope. Jesus walks beside you each day, in every trial you have to endure, in your deepest hopes and dreams,” the Pope stressed.
In his traditional Easter message “Urbi et Orbi,” Pope Francis referred again to the testing of the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary steps to be taken immediately.
“The risen Christ is hope for all who continue to suffer from the pandemic, both the sick and those who have lost a loved one. May the Lord give them comfort and sustain the valiant efforts of doctors and nurses,” said Pope Francis.
Regarding the right of access to vaccines, he added: “Everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us, requires assistance and has the right to have access to necessary care. This is even more evident in these times when all of us are called to combat the pandemic.
Vaccines are an essential tool in this fight. I urge the entire international community, in a spirit of global responsibility, to commit to overcoming delays in the distribution of vaccines and to facilitate their distribution, especially in the poorest countries.”
Finally, in relation to the financial problems that many people face due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pope stated: “The crucified and risen Lord is comfort for those who have lost their jobs or experience serious economic difficulties and lack adequate social protection.
May he inspire public authorities to act so that everyone, especially families in greatest need, will be offered the assistance needed for a decent standard of living.
Sadly, the pandemic has dramatically increased the number of the poor and the despair of thousands of people. ‘The poor of every kind must begin once more to hope’. Saint John Paul II spoke these words during his visit to Haiti.”
Source: ANA-MPA