Pope Francis’ Easter Message: Malta Chooses Peace

As the sun cast a golden glow over the grandeur of St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Pope Francis stood before a congregation of thousands, his voice resonating through the ancient stone walls. It was Easter Sunday, a day of renewal and hope, yet the world outside was marred by conflict. The Pope’s message was clear: “Choose peace.”

Malta, a nation of just over 500,000 people, is no stranger to the presence of the Pope. Yet, this Easter was different. The island, known for its vibrant Easter processions and traditional ‘Ftira’ bread, was quiet, the usual festive atmosphere tempered by the global pandemic and the sobering reality of war.

The Pope’s visit, albeit virtual, brought a sense of unity and shared purpose. In the small town of Żurrieq, known for its traditional Easter processions, the usually bustling streets were empty, save for a few residents watching the Pope’s Easter message on their phones. “It’s not the same without the procession,” said Maria, a Żurrieq resident, “but his words remind us that even in these difficult times, there’s always hope.”

The Pope’s message was a stark reminder of the reality beyond Malta’s shores. “Choose peace,” he urged, “because peace is the only way to build a better future.” His words echoed the sentiments of many Maltese, who have long championed peace and diplomacy, as seen in their role in the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Malta Summit.

Locally, the message resonated with initiatives like the ‘Choose Love’ campaign by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector. “We’ve seen an increase in support for our peace-building initiatives,” said the campaign’s coordinator, “People are choosing to make a difference, to choose love and peace.”

The Pope’s message also highlighted the plight of refugees and migrants, a topic close to Malta’s heart. With its strategic location in the Mediterranean, Malta has long been a haven for those seeking refuge. The Pope’s call to welcome and protect the vulnerable was a reminder of Malta’s humanitarian tradition.

As the Pope’s Easter message ended, the sun began to set over the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta. The day was over, but the message lingered. Malta, with its history of peace and diplomacy, has a unique role to play in building a better, more peaceful future.

In the coming weeks, the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector will be launching a series of initiatives to encourage Maltese people to ‘Choose Peace’. They invite everyone to join them in making a difference, one peaceful choice at a time.

“Choose peace,” the Pope had said. It’s a simple message, but one that has the power to change the world. And in Malta, it’s a message that’s being taken to heart.