Wojciech Rogacin – Vatican
The Pope spoke to the media on Tuesday evening, before returning to the Vatican from Castel Gandolfo, after a traditional day of rest. The Holy Father began his statement with an appeal for peace.
Many still want to spread violence and war
“We are in Holy Week, the feast of Easter is approaching, and this should be the most sacred, most solemn time of the entire year,” said Leo XIV. “It is a time of peace, a time of deep reflection, but as we all know, once again in the world, in many places we see much suffering, many fatalities, including innocent children. We constantly appeal for peace, but unfortunately many people want to spread hatred, violence, and war,” the Holy Father stated with regret.
Christ still suffers in innocent people
The Pope therefore reiterated his appeal from Palm Sunday, inviting “especially all Christians to live these days with the awareness that Christ is still crucified today, that Christ still suffers in the innocent, especially in those who quickly experience the effects of violence, hatred, and war.”
“Let us pray for them, for the victims of war, let us pray that a true, new peace, a renewed peace, which can give new life to all, may come,” appealed Leo XIV.
Asked if he believed that the warring parties would implement a ceasefire for Easter, the Pope replied: “Perhaps. I pray for a ceasefire for Easter, but I don’t know if the war will end before Easter. Let’s hope.”
To carry the cross in the Colosseum as a spiritual leader
The Holy Father was asked about the reasons for his decision to personally carry the cross during the Way of the Cross in the Colosseum on Good Friday. “I was asked, and I think it will be an important sign, because of what the Pope represents as a spiritual leader in the modern world – he is a voice reminding us that Christ still suffers. And I also carry all these sufferings in my prayer,” the Pope explained.
“I would like to invite all people of good will, people of faith, to walk together, to walk with Christ, who suffered for us, to give us salvation, and that we too strive to be those who bring peace,” added Leo XIV.
Appeal to leaders – talk
The Pope was also asked if he had a message for US leaders, and in particular President Donald Trump.
“I was told that President Trump recently stated that he would like to end the war. Let’s hope he is looking for a ‘way out of the situation’. Let’s hope he is looking for a way to reduce violence and bombings, which would be a significant contribution to removing the hatred that is arising and constantly growing in the Middle East and elsewhere,” the Holy Father stated.
He added that he therefore continues to appeal “to all world leaders” to return to the negotiating table, to dialogue. “Let us seek solutions to problems, let us seek ways to reduce the violence we are fueling, so that peace – especially at Easter – may reign in our hearts,” the Pope added.
