New York/Vatican City, April 20 (ANI): As the world marked Easter Sunday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Pope Francis delivered heartfelt appeals for peace, compassion, and global unity, especially amid ongoing conflict and suffering.
In a video message shared on X, Guterres extended best wishes to Christians celebrating Easter and drew attention to those who cannot do so in peace due to conflict and persecution.
“To all Christians celebrating #Easter, I want to express my best wishes, especially to those who cannot celebrate in peace and security… In this moment of hope and resurrection, I want to appeal for a world of solidarity and compassion,” Guterres said.
He emphasized the symbolic message of Easter—hope and rebirth—as a reminder for global communities to stand together in solidarity, especially with the vulnerable and displaced.
Meanwhile, in Vatican City, Pope Francis addressed thousands from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, delivering his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the City and to the World) Easter blessing. The 88-year-old pontiff, who recently recovered from double pneumonia, called for worldwide peace, disarmament, and the release of prisoners.
He began by addressing the Holy Land, describing it as a region “wounded by conflict” and experiencing an “endless outburst of violence.”
“I appeal once again for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, for the release of the hostages, and for access to humanitarian aid,” Pope Francis said.
He expressed particular concern for Gaza’s Christian community and the ongoing humanitarian crisis there, calling the situation “dramatic and deplorable.”
The Pope’s Easter message reflected his continued calls for peace amid global turmoil, reiterating the need for compassion and justice in conflict-ridden regions.
Both global leaders’ messages aligned in their tone and appeal—urging nations and people to reject division, war, and hatred, and instead embrace the core values of Easter: peace, unity, and renewal. (ANI)
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