'Scandalous inequality'

EYES WIDE OPEN

- IRIS GONZALES

In a world that is moving and turning at dizzying speed — and increasingly backward and rightward — Pope Francis had been that rare moral titan, unafraid to say the things that must be said.

May his death jolt and move us toward what is just and humane, now more than ever, and may world leaders heed the lessons he has imparted through all these years.

His last message on Easter Sunday must be said over and over, especially in this era of wars and conflicts:

“On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God!

“I would like us to renew our hope that peace is possible! From the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of the Resurrection, where this year Easter is being celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox on the same day, may the light of peace radiate throughout the Holy Land and the entire world.”

He particularly expressed concern for the people of Gaza, calling the situation deplorable.