WORLD NEWS: Call for peace, against “indifference”… What did Pope Leo say for his first Easter mass?
In breaking news, the following story has emerged from the international scene.
Pope Leo XIV Condemns Indifference to Violence
This year, the Easter holiday is overshadowed by the conflict in the Middle East. In his first celebration of the most important holiday in the Christian calendar since his election, Pope Leo XIV denounced global “indifference” to war and its consequences.
“We get used to violence, we resign ourselves to it and we become indifferent. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people. Indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and divisions that conflicts sow, and to their economic and social consequences,” he said.
The Pope also announced a prayer vigil for peace on April 11 in Saint Peter’s Square, in Rome. From the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he wished the crowd a “Happy Easter” in ten languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Polish, and Latin, before the bells rang out.
Holy Week Cast in the Shadow of Conflict
Throughout Holy Week, the shadow of the Middle East conflict loomed over religious celebrations. On Saturday evening, during the Easter vigil, the head of the Catholic Church denounced “war, injustice, and closure between peoples and nations.”
Celebrations Behind Closed Doors in Jerusalem
In Jerusalem, liturgical celebrations in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre—built on the traditional site of Jesus’ Resurrection—were held behind closed doors due to restrictions on gatherings following the outbreak of war with Iran on February 28.
On Sunday morning, Israeli police filtered the few faithful allowed to approach, citing security concerns.
“It’s very difficult for all of us, because it’s our holiday […] It’s really very hard to want to pray, to come here and find nothing. Everything is closed,” lamented Christina Toderas, 44, from Romania, with tears in her eyes.
Christians Trapped in Lebanon
In Lebanon, predominantly Christian communities in the south remain trapped by a month-long conflict between Israel and the Shiite movement Hezbollah, supported by Iran. Despite the danger, most residents refuse to flee.
In Debel, near the Israeli border, residents prepared for Easter amid relentless bombings, with the village almost entirely cut off and dependent on humanitarian aid.
“The situation is tragic. People are terrified,” said city official Joseph Attieh to AFP on Saturday.
Restricted Masses Across the Region
Elsewhere in the Middle East:
- In Dubai, all masses were canceled since Friday “following government directives.”
- In Damascus, celebrations were limited to the interiors of churches, after tensions in a central Syrian Christian town.
Editor’s Insight:
This development could have far-reaching consequences for global politics in the months ahead.
This is part of a broader trend that has been reshaping the geopolitical landscape in recent months.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.
Source: This article was originally published in another language by 20Minutes – Actu Monde and has been translated and adapted for our global English-speaking audience. Read the original article here.