War was on the mind of Pope Francis when he delivered his 2024 Urbi et Orbi Easter message referring specifically to "those in Israel and Palestine, and in Ukraine," as he called war "a defeat" and "an absurdity."
But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water (John 19:33) We will soon commemorate Good Friday. This is the day when the whole world stands .
These words of Jesus have offered many a way of meeting death in peace. Once again, the first of the followers of Jesus on this path was the martyr Stephen.