Despite the downpour, tens of thousands joined Pope Francis Sunday morning to celebrate Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
Easter is “so beautiful, and so ugly, because of the rain,” the pontiff said about one of Christianity’s most important holidays.
Commenting on the recently reached framework for a nuclear deal with Iran, Francis said, “in hope we entrust to the merciful Lord the framework recently agreed to in Lausanne, [Switzerland,] that it may be a definitive step toward a more secure and fraternal world.”
“And we ask for peace for this world subjected to arms dealers, who earn their living with the blood of men and women,” he added.
Francis also denounced “absurd bloodshed and all barbarous acts of violence” in Libya and expressed his hope for “a common desire for peace” in Yemen.
He also prayed that the “roar of arms may cease” in Iraq and Syria and peace for Africa in Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan and Congo. He also added prayers for Ukraine, hoping it would “rediscover peace and hope thanks to the commitment of all interested parties.”
By the end of the ceremony, the downpour had settled to a drizzle, so Francis was able to wave to attendees in the open-sided popemobile.
(h/t Associated Press)
