Sibling abuse signs
Mental Health Effects of Sibling Abuse I Psych Central
Sibling abuse is known as the ‘hidden’ or ‘forgotten’ abuse, but it’s very real and has lasting effects.
Teasing, mind games, wrestling…sibling rivalry is not only common but to be expected from time to time.
Yet some sibling dynamics do cross a line, and it can be difficult to detect where that line actually is. You may have even grown up believing your experience was typical when it was anything but OK.
It may help you to know what’s considered acceptable in a sibling relationship, and what’s considered abuse. From there, there are many ways to find support and begin the healing process.
Abuse is abuse, no matter who it’s carried out by. Sibling abuse, just like other forms of abuse, can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It may come down to your biology. Continuous exposure to traumatic events can activate your nervous system and re-wire your brain to be on alert for the next threat, says Leia Charnin, PhD, a licensed psychologist in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“That activated system may get flooded and initiate strategies that promote protection, which may look like: overthinking, feeling frozen and numb, a range of anger to rage, helplessness, and even despair,” she says.
“It’s important to honor that your nervous system is working in a completely natural way as it attempts to process news of yet another threatening event,” Charnin adds.
What about complex trauma?
Though it’s not yet an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) has many similarities to traditional PTSD, but with a few additional symptoms.
CPTSD can impact:
- how you feel about yourself
- how you relate to others
- how you handle your emotions
Complex trauma can occur from repeated exposure to a traumatic experience over a long period of time, versus a one-off event as you’d see with traditional PTSD.
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There are many ways that you can experience abuse from a sibling.
Sometimes it can feel difficult to discern whether or not what you experienced was a typical developmental stage, or whether it qualifies as abuse, says Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in Philadelphia.
“For instance, is it typical for two teenage siblings, ages 12 and 14, to argue with one another and say mean things to one another?” Utter says. “The answer is yes.”
“On the other hand, is it typical for one teenage sibling to consistently hit, slap, or punch their sibling to intimidate or scare them into doing something they do not want to do? The answer is no.”
The three main types of sibling abuse are:
- emotional abuse: insults, coercive control, manipulation, threats, excessive teasing, shaming, destroying something you love
- physical abuse: being held down, punching, choking, kicking, slapping, biting, hurting another with toys or weapons
- sexual abuse: touching, masturbation, intercourse, being forced to watch pornography, threats of what will happen if you tell anyone or don’t go along with it
A 2019 study suggests that sibling sexual abuse is the least reported and treated, but also the most common and long lasting of all types of sibling abuse.
There are several signs that you, or someone you care about, may be experiencing abuse from a sibling, says Utter.
Physical- bruises
- marks from self-harm
- unexplained injuries
- weight changes
- anxiety
- depression
- low self-esteem
- suicidal ideation
- hypersexuality
- lowered academic performance
- refusal to be left alone with a sibling
- running away from home
- sleep disturbances
- social isolation
- substance use
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you’re not alone. Help is available right now. You can:
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255.
- Call a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
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If you’re experiencing sibling abuse, or have in the past, you may feel isolated by your experience. It may help you to know that there are other survivors out there.
In fact, a 2013 study of over 4,500 children found that 37.6% had experienced sibling abuse. It was most common between two brothers, especially those close in age.
And that number could be too conservative of an estimate. It’s difficult to know how often sibling abuse actually happens, as many times it goes undocumented.
“Sibling abuse is also referred to as ‘forgotten abuse,’ because it is often overlooked,” Utter says.
But remember that you’re not alone and there are ways you can cope.
For something so often dismissed as “natural,” sibling abuse can impact you in ways that are far-reaching and long lasting. “The mental health effects can be devastating if sibling abuse (or any kind of abuse) isn’t addressed,” Utter says.
For example, a 2017 study found that sibling abuse that occurs more than once a year is enough to impact someone’s behavior for a lifetime in several ways. For the survivor, it can lead to:
- acts of physical violence against others
- aggressive reactions (called reactive abuse)
- difficulties managing your temper
It may change how you feel about yourself on the inside, as well. A 2018 study reported that sibling bullying was associated with feeling less competent, lowered self-esteem, and decreased satisfaction with your life overall.
It may also increase your chances for abusive dynamics in the future. For example, a 2019 study discussed how sibling abuse in childhood may be a contributing factor of elder abuse later on in life.
So far, less is known about the mental health effects of sibling sexual abuse, as it’s the least studied topic area. But a 2021 study did note that it could lead to several symptoms.
These include:
- anxiety
- depression
- challenges with sexual function
- lowered self-esteem
Sibling abuse is understudied as a whole, so researchers still need more data about how, specifically, to treat it.
In the meantime, there are many treatment options for PTSD.
“It’s important to remember that what is happening within the home is not your fault,” Charnin says. “Your brain naturally searches for ways to control the environment, but you can’t control abuse, and it’s important to receive help.”
Treatment for PTSD typically includes a combination of approaches. This may include:
- psychotherapy
- support groups
- self-care strategies
- lifestyle adjustments
- medication to help with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances
There are several evidence-based therapies that can help you navigate trauma-related symptoms, says Charnin. Some specific modalities for trauma recovery may include:
- eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
- prolonged exposure therapy
- cognitive processing therapy
You may also find it helpful to reach out for support in your inner circle, suggests Utter.
“If you don’t feel comfortable telling your parents, reach out to your school counselor, teacher, coach, or an adult you can trust to help you,” she says.
If you’re in immediate danger, leave as soon as possible and call 911 to document your experience. You can also call a trusted loved one outside of the house, or reach out to local domestic violence shelters in your area.
What if it’s happening to someone I know?
If you learn that sibling abuse is occurring, reach out to a mental health professional as soon as possible, says Utter.
“For example, if you’re a parent and learn that one of your children is being abused by another, you can reach out to their pediatrician to help coordinate a referral for the appropriate mental health treatment,” she says.
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Sibling abuse is often forgotten about, as it’s deemed one of the more socially acceptable forms of abuse. Yet it’s common and has long lasting impacts in childhood and beyond.
Not only can it cause PTSD (or CPTSD), but it can lead to a range of other mental health symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, lowered self-esteem, and difficulty in future relationships.
You don’t have to go through this alone. The first stop for any treatment plan is working with a professional, preferably one who specializes in domestic abuse. You may find it helpful to use our search tools to locate a therapist near you.
Some other helpful resources may include:
- ChildHelp
- Defend Innocence
- Protect The Children, Inc.
- RAINN
7 Signs You Have A Toxic Sibling
When people talk about toxic family members, they're usually speaking about a dad they don't get along with, or a mom who is seemingly trying to ruin their life. But toxic family members can include siblings, too. And it can lead to a lot of stress, as you try to figure out how to deal with them.
Getting along with siblings can be tricky even under the best circumstances, usually due to the well-known "sibling rivalry.
" Maybe you guys competed in school growing up, or fought for attention from your parents. But even if that was the case, there's a good chance you grew up to appreciate each other — and may even be good friends today.
But others aren't so lucky. For folks with toxic siblings, it can take a lot of work to keep a relationship going. And you find that you don't even really want to try. "Ultimately, if you feel that you must sacrifice your needs in order to have the relationship as it stands, you may consider at least stepping away until you can navigate boundaries," Deanna Fernandez, MHC, NYC-based therapist, tells Bustle
If that rings true, then there's a chance your relationship with your sibling may require a closer look. Here are some typical signs of a toxic sibling, according to experts, as well as what to do about them.
1. They Don't Respect Your Boundaries
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Speaking of boundaries, a toxic sibling — much like a toxic parent — isn't going to have much respect for your boundaries.
So even if you attempt to establish them as a way of maintaining your relationship, you may notice it doesn't help.
"Boundaries essentially say 'this is how I love you and myself at the same time,'" Fernandez says. "It’s actually a requirement in all relationships. If you’re fearful of setting and maintaining boundaries, that’s a good indication the relationship is toxic. If your sibling continues to violate your boundaries, that’s also a good indication the relationship is toxic and you should prioritize your health/safety over the relationship."
In this situation, they might not take "no" for an answer, Fernandez says, or make unreasonable demands, leaving you wondering if it's even worth interacting with them.
2. They Give You Anxiety
It's normal to feel a touch of shyness around some family members, especially those you don't see very often. But if true anxiety flares up whenever you're around a certain sibling, or you sweat at the thought of having to interact with them, take note.
When a sibling is toxic, you might feel like you’re walking on eggshells around them, feel apprehensive to answer their calls, or be unsure about "how they’ll take it" if you’re honest with them, Fernandez says. And that's not fair to you.
So trust your gut. If you don't feel good around someone, do what you need to do in order to create some space, so you don't have to be stressed out.
3. Your Interactions are draining
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You may have an eccentric sibling who you love, but can't see very often because they're just so darn quirky. And that's OK. It's only when every interaction you have leaves you feeling drained, that you may be crossing over into toxic territory.
"As an example you may want to hangout with your brother, but in order to do so you have to do the thing they want, be available during the time their available, and make other sacrifices as they arise," Stevon Lewis, MS, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist, tells Bustle.
"You're left feeling as though you've attended to all their needs and barely had any of your needs met."
When this is the case it may be time to cut ties, seek therapy, or at least back off for a while. Figure out what would work best for you, in order to maintain the relationship. And then make that clear.
4. The Rivalry Is No Longer Cute
While you may have a history of sibling rivalry, there should come a time when you're both officially mature enough to joke around about it, and not take it so seriously. And yet, if you have a toxic sibling on your hands, it's only likely to get worse.
You might find that, even though you're both well out of college and into your careers, your sibling still competes with you and turns everything into an argument. Should it start to feel toxic, don't be afraid to speak up.
"It’s important for us to advocate for ourselves and express our needs, so that people are clear about what we tolerate and what we don’t," Fernandez says.
"And it’s not until we do that can we determine if the relationship is truly harmful — and if so, you should be working on your exit strategy now."
5. They Only Bring Negativity inTo your Life
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If you're questioning your relationship with your sibling, think back over your history and try to remember any good they brought to your life. If it's just kind of neutral then you have nothing to worry about, because not everyone has an amazing relationship with their sibling. But if it's all doom and gloom, fights and arguments, then take some time to consider how important the relationship is to you.
Toxic siblings tend to take, and take, and take, sometimes to the point it's no longer a mutually beneficial relationship, Fernandez says. Yours might be unreliable, dismissive of your feelings and needs, unwilling to spend time with you, or unwilling to meet you halfway on anything, she says. It's all about them, all the time. And that's not fair.
6. They've Damaged Your Life In Some Way
While everyone makes mistakes, a toxic sibling may bring all sorts of drama into your life due to the way they act, and the poor choices they make. For example, it's possible they'll be financially abusive, Fernandez says, meaning they borrow money and don't pay you back, or take advantage of you in some way.
If you try to talk to them about it, she says, a toxic sibling will likely play the victim or manipulate you, instead of apologizing or trying to find a way to make amends. If behavior like this has become the norm, consider your options in terms of stepping back or cutting ties.
Keep in mind, though, that many people reject change, so it won't necessarily be easy to set up boundaries. "You may reasonably expect and prepare for other family members (siblings, parents) to give an solid eyebrow raise for setting boundaries," Fernandez says. "But, don’t fret, [as] this provides you with many opportunities to practice communicating your needs!"
You can also call in outside help if your family isn't helping with this change.
"Should you have difficulty navigating sibling and other toxic family relationships," she says, "consider meeting with a therapist for education, tools, and support."
7. You Family Encourages Their Behavior
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Speaking of family, a toxic sibling can become even more toxic if they're being egged on by your parents. And you may find that, if you all grew up in a toxic environment, that no one makes an attempt at creating healthy relationships.
In fact, you may worry that your parents will react negatively to any boundaries you try to establish with your sibling, worry your parents may side with your them, or even feel fearful of "going against family norms," she says. If toxicity has become a pattern, it can be tough to break.
That said, there is always hope. "With the exception of extremely abusive/traumatic relationships, it’s usually possible to improve sibling relationships," Fernandez says. And establishing boundaries is the best place to start.
From there, you may be able to create a more stable relationship, or at least a situation that's easier to manage.
If not, though, don't hesitate to back away. A relationship should never feel draining or damaging, so if the connection you have with your sibling is toxic, it may be time cut ties and focus on what you need.
REGULATIONS on the Council for the Prevention of Neglect and Juvenile Delinquency of the MCU "Department of Education of the Karasuk District"
Action plan for conducting a nationwide information campaign to combat child abuse in Karasuk district in 2011.
Modern technologies for the prevention of child abuse
Teachers should, if abuse is suspected:
1. Try to talk to the child himself, listen to him carefully. 2. It is mandatory to speak with parents or persons replacing them. 3. Go to an emergency room or other medical facility to record your injuries. 4. Connect the police or the prosecutor's office to solve the problem. 5. Apply to the guardianship and guardianship authorities at the child's place of residence.
Primary care workers (paediatricians, internists, surgeons, obstetricians, family physicians, psychiatrists, emergency medical personnel, social workers and other professionals) should have the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to recognize signs of child abuse, assess condition and physical development of children, the ability to use the opportunities of society and their own status for the benefit of suffering children. Assessment of the condition of children - victims of physical violence should include: anamnesis; physical examination data; x-ray protocol; study of the blood coagulation system; color photographs; sibling survey data; official medical report; characterization of the behavior of the victim; child development assessment. - notify the child protection service of your assumptions; - ensure that every child who has been abused and needs protection is hospitalized for the period of initial examination; -inform parents about the diagnosis; - Notify law enforcement of a child's injuries. Child patient needs preferential attention. Possible steps should be taken to protect the child from future abuse. If the doctor suspecting abuse is unable to make such an assessment on his own, he should seek the help of a competent specialist. Aid for a teenager
If you do not want to be a victim of violence, follow a few rules: 1. If you are going to spend the evening in an unfamiliar company, take with you a friend in whom you are confident. 2. At the beginning of the party, warn everyone that you will not leave without saying goodbye. If you leave the company with someone, then tell your friends with whom. 3. Trust your intuition. 4. Set clear limits for yourself: what you want and what you won't allow. 5. Maintain the ability to make clear decisions and respond correctly in any situation. 6. Be confident. You have the right to think and take care of yourself, even if it may hurt the feelings of another. 7. If there is an opportunity to be met or picked up from a party, then take it (this will give you more confidence and you will be able to better control your actions). Do not use private transport alone. In this case, ask the escort to remember or write down the number of the car. 8. There are no surefire ways to protect yourself from potential sexual abuse. But there are signs that are disturbing for you that can alert you, for example, disrespect for a person, violation of his personal space. Be careful if someone: is too close to you and enjoys the discomfort that you experience in connection with this; looks at you intently and defiantly looks at you; does not listen to what you say and ignores your feelings; treats you like a good friend, although it is not.
Parent's note
Before you physically punish a child, STOP! Experts say that physical punishment: 1. Teaching a child a lesson in violence. 2. They violate the unconditional assurance that every child needs - that he is loved. 3. They contain a lie: pretending to solve pedagogical problems, parents, in this way, take out their anger on the child. An adult beats a child only because he himself was beaten as a child. 4. Physical punishment teaches the child to accept conflicting evidence: "I hit you for your own good." The child's brain stores this information. 5. They evoke anger and a desire for revenge, this desire remains repressed and only manifests itself much later. 6. They destroy receptivity to one's own suffering and compassion for others, thus limiting the child's ability to know himself and the world. What lesson does the child take from this? 1. The child does not deserve respect. 2. Good can be learned through punishment (it usually teaches the child the desire to punish, in turn, others). 3. Suffering should not be taken personally, it should be ignored (this is dangerous for the immune system). 4. Violence is a manifestation of love (many perversions grow on this soil). 5. Denial of feelings is a normal healthy phenomenon 6. There is no protection from adults. How does repressed anger manifest itself in children? 1. Taunting the weak and defenseless. 2. PREVENTION STRATEGIES 1. SET A GOOD EXAMPLE. Threats, as well as beating, mental pressure, insults, etc. rarely improve the situation. Your child will take your behavior as a model and will learn from you how to deal with anger without using force. Set boundaries. Restrictions teach self-discipline and how to control mutual emotions based on non-violence. 2. BE A FREQUENT VISITOR TO THE SCHOOL. If your child is having problems causing depression and low self-esteem, go to school - INTERVENE! School staff exist to help children learn and succeed. 3. IF YOU ARE NOT THE PROTECTOR OF YOUR CHILD, WHO ARE YOU? The consequences of a child feeling like a failure can be expressed in violent actions on his part: fights, destruction of property, cruelty, and even self-destruction. 4. TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT TV VIOLENCE, don't just turn off the TV. Explain to them that most of the violence shown in films is a product designed to entertain, excite, keep the viewer in suspense. And that this does not mean at all that such a model of behavior should be applied in your life. 5. DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORDS "I LOVE YOU". Children of any age need approval, kisses, hugs, friendly pats on the back. They want to hear "I'm proud of you!" 6. TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT VIOLENCE. Encourage them to talk to you about their fears, their anger and sadness. Parents should listen to their children's concerns, share their interests and feelings, and give good advice. Watch how your children communicate. BE PROUD OF YOUR DECISION TO GET HELP. THIS IS A DIFFICULT DECISION BUT IT REFLECTS YOUR MATURITY. THIS WILL HELP YOU PREVENT VIOLENCE. PROTECT YOUR CHILD. Tips for parents 1. Teach your child that they have the right to say "No" to any adult if they feel they are in danger. 2. Teach your child to yell "That's not my mom!" (or "That's not my dad!") if someone tries to grab him. This will attract the attention of others and scare off the criminal. 3. Teach your child to tell you where he is going, when he is about to return, and to call you if plans change unexpectedly. 4. Try to pick up the child from kindergarten or school YOURSELF. If someone else comes for him, warn the teacher or school teacher about this in advance. 5. Create a password for your child and teach him to never get into a car with a stranger or go anywhere with him if he does not know the password. 6. Reassure your child that it is much safer to go out with friends than alone, especially at late hours. A criminal is always attracted to a lonely walking child. 7. Teach your child how to use a pay phone (including international). He must know the home phone numbers and telephone numbers of help services (01, 02, 03, 77-77-70 911 - rescue service) by heart. 8. Take pictures of your child at least once a year, and having a description of the child's appearance and special features will help you in case he is lost or kidnapped. 9.If your child travels abroad (on vacation, for treatment, for a competition, Olympics, etc.), he must have a foreign passport with him. 10. Be the kind of parent that your child can tell about everything that happens to him. The child must be sure that you will always love him and never stop looking if he is lost or stolen. |
Believe the child if he opened up to you, and give him support. Be attentive to the child, try to find out the reasons for his emotional and behavioral characteristics. 
In these cases, particular importance is attached to medical and social patronage performed by employees of children's clinics. Examination of a child for any reason - at the request of parents, prophylactic and others - requires the doctor to be vigilant about the problem under consideration, since there is a real opportunity to see the first signs of violence even in the absence of complaints. In the event of a suspicion of humiliation of a child in the family, ill-treatment of him, the doctor is obliged immediately, first of all: 
In some cases, the child is shown preventive hospitalization, before which it is necessary to conduct an adequate assessment of the level of development of the child, his physical and emotional state. If there are suspicions of child abuse, the doctor should talk with the parents, giving them enough time and showing tact, objectivity, avoiding harsh accusations. All data obtained during the examination of the child require mandatory entry into the medical record, since this information can become the main evidence in court. 
If you feel psychological discomfort, then it may be because you do not feel safe. 
By paying attention to signs of this kind, you can reduce the risk of being abused not only at a party, but also in other places. This situation can arise when you meet someone for the first time, go to the cinema or to a disco, are in the company of friends or acquaintances. If you are with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable, who ignores your feelings, or who is disrespectful to you in some other way, it is best to end the relationship immediately. 
Fights with classmates. 2. The humiliation of girls, symbolizing the mother. 3. Bad attitude towards the teacher. 4. Selecting TV shows and video games to re-experience repressed feelings of rage and anger ---------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- --------------- (from the brochure "Stop the Violence: Experience of the Irkutsk Crisis Center" Irkutsk, 2000) 
If your child has been abused, try to resist the urge to judge or justify what happened. Take the time to figure out the circumstances, then decide how you can help prevent further violence with your support. 7. If you or someone in your family is feeling lonely, unloved, hopeless, or has problems with drugs or alcohol, seek help. It is believed that more than half of all violent acts are committed by people who use alcohol or drugs. 
All documents required for issuing a passport, the parents themselves (without entrusting anyone) must submit to the passport and visa department. Urbi et Orbi. Pope: "Peace is everyone's main responsibility"
POPE
At noon on April 17, Pope Francis congratulated Christians around the world on the bright resurrection of Christ. The war in Ukraine leaves an imprint of grief on the celebration of Easter this year, the Bishop of Rome noted in his address to the City and the world and called for "stop showing muscles while people suffer."
Sofia Khalkhodzhaeva
Here is the full text of the Holy Father's Paschal address:
Dear brothers and sisters, I congratulate you on the bright Easter of Christ!
Jesus crucified on the Cross is risen! He goes to those who mourn Him, closing in the house, embraced by fear and longing.
He enters them and says: "Peace be with you!" (John 20:19). He shows wounds on his arms and legs, a wound in his side: this is not a ghost, it is He, the same Jesus who died on the Cross and was buried. In response to the incredulous glances of the disciples, He repeats: “Peace be with you!” (Article 21).
This Easter, which we celebrate at the height of the war, our views are also distrustful: we have seen too much blood, too much violence. Our hearts are also full of fear and longing, while many of our brothers and sisters are forced to hide in houses, trying to escape the bombs. We find it hard to believe that Jesus truly rose from the dead, that He really conquered death. Maybe it's an illusion? A figment of our imagination?
No, it's not an illusion! Today, more than ever, the Easter message, so dear to the Christian East, sounds with special force: “Christ is risen! He has truly risen!" Today, at the end of Great Lent, which seems to be unwilling to end, we, more than ever, need the Lord.
Behind us are two years of a pandemic that has left heavy traces. And now it's time to get out of the tunnel together, hand in hand, combining our strengths and resources... But instead, we show that the spirit of Cain is still alive in us, who looks at Abel not as a brother, but as a rival, and thinks about how to kill him. We need the resurrected Crucified to believe in the victory of love, to hope for reconciliation. Today, more than ever, we need Him to come to us and say again: “Peace be with you!”.
Urbi et Orbi April 17, 2022
Only He can do it. Only He has the right to proclaim peace to us today - only Jesus, for He bears the wounds, our wounds. These wounds of His are twice ours: firstly, because we inflicted them on Him with our sins, hardness of heart, fratricidal hatred; secondly, because He bears them for us, He did not erase them from His glorious Body, He wished to keep them, to carry them on Himself forever. These wounds are the indelible mark of His love for us; eternal intercession so that our Heavenly Father will see them and have mercy on us and the whole world.
The wounds on the body of the resurrected Jesus are a sign of the battle that He fought and won for us with the weapons of love, that we might have peace, be at peace, live in peace.
Looking at these glorious wounds, our unbelieving eyes see clearly, our hardened hearts soften and allow the Easter message to enter: “Peace be with you!”.
Urbi et Orbi April 17, 2022
Let us let the world of Christ enter our lives, our homes, our countries!
May there be peace for the tormented Ukraine, which is suffering heavily from the violence and destruction of the cruel and senseless war in which it has been drawn. May a new dawn of hope soon rise above this terrible haze of suffering and death! May the choice be made in favor of peace. Stop flexing your muscles while people suffer. Please, let's not get used to the war, let's all commit ourselves to a loud call for peace, from the rooftops and in the streets! Let the political leaders of the nations hear the cry of the people for peace.
Let them heed this disturbing question, posed by scientists almost seventy years ago: "Should we destroy the human race or will humanity be able to give up war?" (Russell-Einstein Manifesto, 9July 1955).
In my heart are all the numerous victims of the Ukrainian people: millions of refugees and internally displaced persons, separated families, old people left alone, broken lives and cities wiped off the face of the earth. Before my eyes - the look of orphaned children who fled the war. As we look at them, we can't help but hear their cry of pain, just like the cry of so many other children suffering all over the world: those who die of starvation or lack of care; those who have been victims of abuse and violence; and those who are denied the right to be born.
But among these sorrows of war, there are hopeful signs that many families and communities across Europe have opened their doors to migrants and refugees. May these many works of mercy be a blessing to our societies, sometimes degraded by selfishness and individualism, and help make them hospitable to all.
Urbi et Orbi April 17, 2022
The conflict in Europe also forces us to be more attentive to other situations of tension, suffering and pain that affect too many regions of the world and which we cannot and do not want to forget.
May there be peace in the Middle East, scarred by years of divisions and conflicts. On this glorious day, we ask for peace for Jerusalem and peace for those who love it (see Ps 121 [122]), for Christians, Jews and Muslims. May the Israelis, the Palestinians and all the inhabitants of the Holy City, together with the pilgrims, experience the beauty of the world, live in brotherhood and freely visit sacred places with mutual respect for the rights of everyone.
May there be peace and reconciliation for the peoples of Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, and especially for all Christian communities living in the Middle East.
Let there be peace both for Libya, so that it finds stability after years of tension, and for Yemen, which is suffering from a forgotten conflict, with constant casualties: a truce signed in recent days can restore hope to the population.
We ask the resurrected Lord for the gift of reconciliation for Myanmar, where a dramatic scenario of hatred and violence continues to unfold, and for Afghanistan, whose population is living under unrelenting social tensions and a grave humanitarian crisis.
Urbi et Orbi April 17, 2022
May there be peace throughout the African continent in order to stop its exploitation and bloodshed caused by terrorist attacks - especially in the Sahel region - and give it concrete support in the brotherhood of peoples. May Ethiopia find the path of dialogue and reconciliation, gripped by a grave humanitarian crisis, and may the violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo end. May there be no lack of prayer and solidarity with the people of eastern South Africa affected by the devastating floods.
May the resurrected Christ accompany and help the peoples of Latin America, who in some cases are facing deteriorating social conditions in these difficult times of the pandemic, exacerbated also by cases of crime, violence, corruption and drug trafficking.
