The Pope, who died today at the age of 88, was able to greet crowds at the Vatican in his popemobile yesterday, before delivering his Easter Sunday blessing in what turned out to be his last public appearance.
The speech had an international focus, addressing many of the world’s great conflicts, as well as humanitarian crises which receive less attention.
Pope Francis on the main balcony of St Peter’s basilica during the Urbi et Orbi message and blessing to the city and the world as part of Easter celebrations, at St Peter’s square in the Vatican on Sunday (Photo: Tiziana Fabi/AFP)
He said: “How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalised, and migrants.
The Pope met with Vance on Saturday, with the Vatican noting in a statement: “There was an exchange of opinions on the international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees, and prisoners.”
Middle East central to Pope’s final speech
Pope Francis’s speech called for a ceasefire in Gaza, a surge in humanitarian aid entering the area – which has been blocked – and a release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
“The growing climate of anti-Semitism throughout the world is worrisome. Yet at the same time, I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation.”
Destroyed buildings in Nuseirat Refugee Camp in Deir al-Balah, Gaza (Photo: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The Pope asked that Christians pray for people in Lebanon and Syria, where there was a “delicate transition” ongoing, and for the people of Yemen, “experiencing one of the world’s most serious and prolonged humanitarian crises because of war”.
The US has launched a wave of bombings on the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, after a series of attacks on vessels transiting through the Red Sea.
Pope Francis’s speech also called for a “lasting piece” war in Ukraine, as Russia was accused of breaking an Easter truce with hundreds of attacks.
It comes as peace talks appear to be stalling, with no resolution to the war in sight.
A priest conducts a service near the Church of Saint Michael and Saint Fedor during Easter celebrations in Chernihiv, Ukraine (Photo: Maksym Kishka/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US would walk away from negotiations if there were no clear signs of progress soon.
Sudan, Myanmar and South Caucus highlighted
The Pope also used his final address to highlight conflicts and regions which have received less attention.
Sudan last week marked two years of bloody war, which has created the world’s largest displacement crisis and left one in two hungry.
The Pope also prayed that a peace agreement would be signed and implemented between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and for those affected by the Myanmar earthquake.
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