Pope Leo urges world not to grow numb to war
Joshua McElwee
Vatican City: Pope Leo ushered the world’s Catholics into Easter with a vigil Mass held in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday night (Rome time), urging people not to feel lethargic in the face of the scale of conflicts taking place around the world but to work for peace.
Leo, an outspoken critic of the Iran war, said mistrust and fear had allowed “the ties between us to break down through war, injustice and the isolation of peoples and nations.”
“Let’s not let ourselves be paralyzed!” The first U.S. pope made the exhortation during a mass on the holiest night on the Catholic calendar, during which he said Jesus rose from the dead in the Bible.
Leo did not mention any specific conflicts during the ceremony, where he also baptized 10 adult converts to Catholicism.
In his speech to thousands of people in Christendom’s largest church, the Pope called on Catholics to follow the example of the saints who fought for justice; so that “the Easter gifts of harmony and peace may grow and flourish everywhere.”
Known for choosing his words carefully, Leo has been increasing his criticism of the Iran war in recent weeks.
God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war and whose “hands are full of blood,” the pope said last Sunday.
He made a direct appeal to US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, urging the president to find a “way out” to end the war.
The Pope will conclude the Easter celebrations with a mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday morning (Rome time) and deliver a special blessing and message;
is making a huge international appeal.
Reuters
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