Pope urges end to Syria ‘horror’

Millions celebrate Easter

VATICAN CITY, April 16, (Agencies): Pope Francis urged an end to “horror and death” in Syria on Sunday as he celebrated the traditional Easter Day Holy Mass in Rome.

The Easter Holy Mass, the highlight of the Christian calendar began under a cloudy sky where worshippers had gathered since the early hours to gain access amid tight security.

After a short bout of heavy rain, the pontiff gave his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, to the city and the world, in which he prayed for those suffering from war, famine and political unrest, highlighting Syria, but also Ukraine and conflict zones in Africa.

He expressed hope that Jesus’ own sacrifice might “sustain the efforts of all those actively engaged in bringing comfort and relief to the civil population in Syria, prey to a war that continues to sow horror and death.”

And he prayed for peace for the entire Middle East “beginning with the Holy Land, as well as in Iraq and Yemen.”

He also spoke out against the hostilities and famine in Africa, notably in South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He further urged world leaders to hear the message of peace as they contend with “the complex and often dramatic situations of today’s world,” and to work “to prevent the spread of conflicts and to put a halt to the arms trade.”

Tensions

Without mentioning Venezuela by name, Pope Francis also alluded to political and social tensions in Latin America, expressing the hope that the “common good of societies” would prevail.

“May it be possible for bridges of dialogue to be built, by continuing to fight the scourge of corruption and to seek viable and peaceful solutions to disputes, for progress and the strengthening of democratic institutions in complete respect for the rule of law,” he said.

Turning his attention to eastern Europe, he asked that “the Good Shepherd come to the aid of Ukraine, still beset by conflict and bloodshed.”

Focusing on social and political upheaval in Europe, Francis prayed for God’s blessing on “those experiencing moments of crisis and difficulty, especially due to high unemployment, particularly among young people.”

The Holy Mass followed his Good Friday prayer in which he deplored the suffering of migrants, the victims of racism and the persecution of Christians around the world.

Easter week got off to a bloody start last Sunday when 45 people were killed in attacks on two Coptic churches in Egypt which were claimed by the Islamic State group.

The entire area around St Peter’s Basilica was blocked off, with only several access points for those admitted after having their bags inspected.

Access to St Peter’s Square itself was only possible after security checks similar to those at airports. Hundreds of police and security forces stood guard.

Restored

Sunday also saw Francis’ retired predecessor Pope Benedict XVI turn 90 marked by a quiet celebration at the restored convent where he lives within the Vatican grounds.

“There will doubtless be something on the menu to mark his birthday,” former Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi told reporters last week.

Benedict’s brother will join a small group of old friends on Monday for a birthday party at which they will celebrate with a few “Bavarian songs,” Benedict’s personal secretary Georg Gaenswein told Italian media.

“He will see his brother Georg, which will be the best present for him,” he said.

To mark the occasion, the Vatican stamp and coin office has released a series of stamps marking important events in the two millennia history of the church.

Benedict stepped down in 2013 citing his increased frailty. He was the first pontiff to do so in 600 years.

Meanwhile, millions of Orthodox Christians around the world have celebrated Easter in overnight services and with “Holy Fire” from Jerusalem, commemorating the day followers believe that Jesus was resurrected nearly 2,000 years ago.

This year the Orthodox churches celebrate Easter on the same Sunday that Roman Catholics and Protestants mark the holy festival. The Western Christian church follows the Gregorian calendar, while the Eastern Orthodox uses the older Julian calendar and the two Easters are often weeks apart.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, who is the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christian faithful, delivered a message of peace during the midnight service at the Patriarchate in Istanbul.

“Our faith is alive, because it is based on the event of the resurrection of Christ,” Bartholomew said.

In his official Easter message issued earlier in the week, Bartholomew urged strong faith in the face of the world’s tribulations.

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A “modest” 90th birthday party was being planned for Benedict XVI, who stunned the Catholic Church by resigning as pope in 2013.

His personal secretary and longtime aide, Monsignor Georg Gaenswein, told an Italian Catholic news agency Saturday that Benedict’s birthday, which falls on Easter Sunday this year, will be celebrated on Monday in Bavarian style, in keeping with the emeritus pontiff’s roots.

“There will be a small moment of celebration in keeping with his strength,” Gaenswein said about the frail churchman.

Benedict cited fading strength when announcing his decision to become the first pontiff to resign in 600 years.

Attending the party will be a delegation from Bavaria and Benedict’s elder brother, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger. The sibling’s visit will be “the most beautiful” birthday gift, Gaenswein added.

The former Joseph Ratzinger was born on April 16, 1927, in southern Germany. Trained as a theologian, he was a long-time Vatican official in charge of ensuring doctrinal orthodoxy when elected as pontiff in 2005.

Past recent birthdays have seen Benedict celebrate the day with a pint of beer.

Gaenswein told the S.I.R. news agency that Benedict is “serene, in good humor, very lucid.”

“Certainly, his physical strength is lessening. It’s hard for him to walk. However, he uses a walker, which ensures autonomy in movement and safety,” the aide said.