Pope prays for peace in Easter sermon
Pope Benedict XVI, celebrating his first Easter as pontiff, prayed today for peace to prevail over relentless violence in Iraq, for a negotiated, ”honourable,” solution to the Iran nuclear crisis and for dialogue to overcome obstacles between Israel and the Palestinians.
Looking tired during Mass in St Peter’s Square before a crowd nearing 100,000 of pilgrims, tourists and Romans, Benedict also celebrated his 79th birthday, which coincided with Easter, when Christians joyously commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion.
“Today, even in this modern age marked by anxiety and uncertainty, we live the event of the resurrection, which changed the face of our life and changed the history of humanity,” Benedict said in the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message – Latin for “to the city and to the world,” delivered from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica immediately after the Mass.
The pontiff reviewed the conflicts and hot spots around the globe.
“In Iraq, may peace finally prevail over the tragic violence that continues mercilessly to claim victims,” Benedict said.
“I also pray sincerely tht those caught up in the conflict in the Holy Land may find peace, and I invite all to patient and persevering dialogue, so asto remove both ancient and new obstacles,” the pontiff said.
“May the international community, which reaffirms Israel’s just right to exist in peac, assist the Palestinian peopl to overcome the precarious conditions in which they live and to build their future, moving toward the constitution of a state which is truly their own,” Benedict said.
The international community has insisted that the new Hamas government of the Palestinians renounce terrorism and recognise Israel’s right to exist.
In another part of his speech, Benedict appeared to be referring to recent developments in Iran which have caused concern in the West that the Islamic state might be working toward developing a nuclear arsenal.
“Concerning the international crises linked to nuclear power, may an honourable solution be found for all parties, through serious and honest negotiations,” Benedict said, although he did not name any countries.
Concern over North Korea’s nuclear capabilities have also contributed to tensions in Asia.
Benedict also called on leaders of nations and of international organisations to work for peaceful co-existence among races, cultures and religions “to remove the threat of terrorism”.
The pope’s concerns extended to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s Darfur region, and conflicts in other parts of Africa. He said that in Latin America, better living conditions are needed for millions of people, and democratic institutions need to be “consolidated in a spirit of harmony and effective solidarity.”
As Mass began, a brisk breeze ruffled the pope’s gold-coloured vetments and the crimson feathers atop the helmets of Swiss Guards as he strode up the centre to the square to take his place at a canopied altar on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica.
When the faithful read out prayers during the Mass, a woman, speaking in French, prayed for the pope. She offered a birthday wish and noted that it was his first Easter as pontiff as she prayed that Benedict receive peace and the comfort of “serene” days.
Benedict wished the faithful a joyous holiday in 62 languages, and included a thank you to the Netherlands for the flowers decorating the square. He concluded with his blessing.
His wishes in Italian referred to Italy’s political stalemate, in which conservative Premier Silvio Berlusconi has been refusing to concede defeat in April 9-10 voting to his centre-left rival Romano Prodi, following months of a bitter election campaign.
“In the particular moment that Italy has been living through in these months, may the risen Lord bring serenity to the national community and strengthen those who work to serve it the strong desire to pursue aims of harmony and authentic development for the good of all,” Benedict said.
Benedict’s predecessor, John Paul II, died six days after Easter last year, and was so weak in his final illness that he was unable to address faithful in the square on Easter, only raising his hand in blessing.
