Pope's Easter prayers for peace in Middle East, Africa

April 09, 2012

“If Jesus is risen, then–and only then–has something truly new happened, something that changes the state of humanity and the world,” Pope Benedict XVI said in his Easter message to the world.

In his Urbi et Orbi message, delivered from the loggia of St. Peter’s basilica on Sunday, April 8, the Holy Father offered his prayers for peace in the Middle East, especially in Syria, Iraq, and the Holy Land. He also prayed for peace in Africa, mentioning especially the Great Lakes region, the border of Sudan and Southern Sudan, Mali, and Nigeria.

The Pope began his Easter message by remarking on the experience of Mary Magdalene:

Every Christian relives the experience of Mary Magdalene. It involves an encounter which changes our lives: the encounter with a unique Man who lets us experience all God’s goodness and truth, who frees us from evil not in a superficial and fleeting way, but sets us free radically, heals us completely and restores our dignity.

With his Resurrection, the Pope said, Jesus completes that complete victory over evil, and offers that victory to all mankind.

 

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Further information:

• Urbi et Orbi Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI (Vatican)
• Pope calls for end to Syria bloodshed in Easter message (CNN)
• Pope marks Easter with call for Syria violence end (AP)