11/04/2023
As he does every year, on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis delivered what is known as the Urbi et Orbi blessing, meaning to the city of Rome and the world.
As is traditionally the case, he presented us with a series of prayer intentions by going through different places around the world that are particularly suffering at this time.
Here is a summary of those intentions so that we can all join the Holy Father in prayer this Easter Octave:
May we make haste to progress on a journey of reciprocal trust: trust among individuals, peoples, and nations. May we allow ourselves to experience amazement at the joyful proclamation of Easter, at the light that illumines the darkness and the gloom in which, all too often, our world finds itself enveloped.
Let us make haste to surmount our conflicts and divisions and open our hearts to those in greatest need. Let us hasten to pursue paths of peace and fraternity. Let us rejoice at the concrete signs of hope that reach us from so many countries, beginning with those that offer assistance and welcome to all fleeing from war and poverty.
Help the beloved Ukrainian people on their journey towards peace and shed the light of Easter upon the people of Russia. Comfort the wounded and all those who have lost loved ones because of the war, and grant that prisoners may return safe and sound to their families.
Open the hearts of the entire international community to strive to end this war and all conflict and bloodshed in our world, beginning with Syria, which still awaits peace.
Strengthen all those affected by the violent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Let us pray for all those who have lost family and friends and for those left homeless. May they receive consolation from God and assistance from the family of nations.
On this day, Lord, we entrust to you the city of Jerusalem, the first witness of your resurrection.
Lord, aid Lebanon, which still seeks stability and unity.
Be mindful of the beloved people of Tunisia.
Turn your gaze to Haiti, which has long experienced a grave social, economic, and humanitarian crisis.
Consolidate the processes of peace and reconciliation undertaken in Ethiopia and in South Sudan and grant an end to violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Sustain, Lord, the Christian communities that celebrate Easter in particular circumstances, as in Nicaragua and Eritrea, and remember all who are prevented from freely and publicly professing their faith.
Grant consolation to victims of international terrorism, especially in Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, and Nigeria.
Help Myanmar to pursue paths of peace, and enlighten the hearts of leaders, so that the deeply afflicted Rohingya may encounter justice.
Comfort refugees, deportees, political prisoners, and migrants, especially those who are most vulnerable, as well as the victims of hunger, poverty, and the dire effects of the drug trade, human trafficking, and all other forms of slavery.
Lord, inspire the leaders of nations to ensure that no man or woman may encounter discrimination and be violated in his or her dignity; that in full respect for human rights and democracy, these social wounds may be healed; that the common good of the citizenry may be pursued always and solely; and that security and the conditions needed for dialogue and peaceful coexistence may be guaranteed.
