Pope Francis spoke about Syria, refugees, hunger, unemployment...

Pope Francis in his Easter address Urbi et Orbi from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica condemned yesterday's attack in Syria in which at least 112 people were killed and called for peace in all countries affected by conflicts. We present Pope Francis' address in full.

Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!

Today, throughout the world, the Church repeats the proclamation of the first disciples, filled with wonder: "Christ is risen indeed!" - "He is risen as he said!" The ancient feast of Passover, the remembrance of the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery, reaches its fulfillment here: through his resurrection, Jesus Christ has freed us from the slavery of sin and death and opened the way to eternal life for us.

All of us, when we allow sin to overcome us, lose our true path and wander like lost sheep. But God himself, our Shepherd, has come to seek us out and, to save us, humbled himself even to the ignominy of the cross. Today we can solemnly proclaim: "The Good Shepherd has risen, who laid down his life for his sheep. Alleluia!" (Roman Missal, Fourth Sunday of Easter, Communion Antiphon).

Throughout history, the Risen Shepherd does not tire of seeking us, his brothers and sisters who wander in the deserts of the world. Through the signs of his Passion – the wounds of his merciful love – he draws us to his path, the path of life. And today he takes upon his shoulders so many of our brothers and sisters burdened by evil in its various forms.

The Risen Shepherd goes in search of those lost in the labyrinths of loneliness and marginalization; he goes to meet them through brothers and sisters who know how to approach with respect and tenderness, helping these persons to hear his voice, a voice that cannot be forgotten, which reminds them of their friendship with God. He takes upon his shoulders those who are victims of ancient and new forms of slavery: inhuman work, illicit trafficking, exploitation and discrimination, and severe addictions. He takes upon his shoulders children and young people who have been deprived of their carefree youth through exploitation; and those whose hearts are wounded by the violence they suffer within the four walls of their own homes.

The Risen Shepherd becomes a traveling companion for those forced to leave their homeland due to armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, hunger, or oppressive regimes. To these forced migrants, he grants the grace of encountering brothers and sisters under every sky, so that they may share bread and hope on their common journey.

In the complex and sometimes dramatic events of peoples, may the Risen Lord guide the steps of those who seek justice and peace, and may he give leaders of nations the courage to avoid escalating conflicts and to halt the arms trade.

In these times, may he especially support the efforts of those who are actively working to bring comfort and support to the civilian population of Syria, beloved and tormented Syria, a victim of a war that continues to spread horror and death. Just yesterday, the latest insidious attack on fleeing refugees occurred, in which many people were killed and wounded. May he bring peace to the entire Middle East, first and foremost to the Holy Land, as well as to Iraq and Yemen.

May the closeness of the Good Shepherd be felt by the peoples of South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who suffer from incessant conflicts, further aggravated by the severe hunger affecting some parts of Africa.

May the risen Jesus support the efforts of those who, especially in Latin America, are striving to ensure the common good of societies, sometimes marked by political and social tensions that have in some cases escalated into violence. May bridges of dialogue be built in these societies, may the fight against the scourge of corruption persist, and may just and peaceful solutions to disputes be sought, for the progress and strengthening of democratic institutions, in full respect for the rule of law.

May the Good Shepherd be of help to Ukraine, which continues to suffer from a bloody conflict, so that it may find harmony again, and may he guide initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of those who bear its consequences.

May the risen Lord, who never ceases to bless the European continent, grant hope to those going through moments of crisis and difficulty, especially due to the high unemployment that particularly affects young people.
Dear brothers and sisters, this year, as Christians of all denominations, we celebrate Easter together. Thus, in all parts of the globe, the most beautiful proclamation resounds with one voice: "Christ is risen indeed! He is risen as he said!" May He, who has conquered the darkness of sin and death, grant peace to our days.