On Easter Sunday, April 19, 2025, Pope Francis appeared on the balcony above the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, greeted by a vast crowd of faithful. After a brief greeting, the Pope was seated in a vehicle and driven through the gathering, blessing those present. His speech was short but impactful: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” The remainder of the blessing was read by one of his assistants.
In his address, Pope Francis mentioned Ukraine, which continues to suffer from Russian aggression. “May the Risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, his Easter gift of peace and encourage all parties involved to continue their efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace,” the Pope stated.
This statement by Pope Francis holds particular significance amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. Over the years, Russian occupiers have committed numerous crimes against the Ukrainian people, including the killing and torture of priests, pastors, and monks. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, 67 Ukrainian clergy members have been killed or tortured by Russian forces, and 640 religious sites, mostly Christian, have been destroyed.
The Russian army has become one of the biggest threats to Christian churches and believers in Ukraine. Russia’s aggression is not limited to military actions; it also includes the systematic destruction of Ukraine’s cultural and religious heritage. This underscores the importance of international support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their struggle for freedom and independence.
Pope Francis, who recently recovered from bilateral pneumonia, continues to actively express his support for Ukraine. His words about peace and justice are an important signal to the global community about the need for united efforts to end the war and restore peace in Ukraine.