TO GOD'S EAR

Pope Prays for Peace in Ukraine

At Easter Mass.

Pope Francis turned his focus to global crises when he addressed the joyous crowds in Vatican City on Easter Sunday. 150,000 people from all over the world gathered in St. Peter's Basilica to listen to Francis' address about the outbreak of violence in Ukraine, Nigeria, and Syria. Diplomatically, he prayed for peace in Ukraine and called on the international community to be actively involved in creating that stability. “We ask you to enlighten and inspire the initiatives that promote peace in Ukraine,” he said.”So that all those involved, with the support of the international community, will make every effort to prevent violence.” Though he took no political opinion, he also denounced the “brutal terrorists attacks” in Nigeria and prayed Syria will “boldly negotiate the peace long awaited and long overdue.