He said he holds the Ukrainian people, victims of the war, in his heart.
The pope had a special word for the Ukrainian children who are fleeing the war, especially those who have been orphaned.
“As we look at them, we cannot help but hear their cry of pain, along with that of all those other children who suffer throughout our world: those dying of hunger or lack of medical care, those who are victims of abuse and violence, and those denied the right to be born,” he said.
He urged people to be more sensitive and attentive to situations of war and violence not only in Europe, but around the world.
In his blessing, Pope Francis prayed for peace in the Middle East: For reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, for peace in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.
He also prayed for stability in Libya and an end to the forgotten, years-long conflict in Yemen.
“We ask the risen Lord for the gift of reconciliation for Myanmar, where a dramatic scenario of hatred and violence persists, and for Afghanistan, where dangerous social tensions are not easing and a tragic humanitarian crisis is bringing great suffering to its people,” he said.
He asked the Lord to grant peace to the entire continent of Africa, that terrorist attacks, especially in the Sahel region, would end.
Pope Francis named Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa as three countries in particular need of prayers due to violence, and humanitarian and environmental crises.
“May the risen Christ accompany and assist the people of Latin America, who in some cases have seen their social conditions worsen in these difficult times of pandemic, exacerbated as well by instances of crime, violence, corruption and drug trafficking,” he said.
He also prayed for the Catholic Church in Canada, that the risen Lord will accompany it on its journey of reconciliation with indigenous peoples.
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“May the Spirit of the risen Christ heal the wounds of the past and dispose hearts to seek truth and fraternity,” he stated.
At the end of the blessing, the crowd broke out into cheers and chants of “Viva, Papa Francesco.”
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