Pope Francis, in his Easter Sunday address, made a fervent plea for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages, lamenting the toll of wars on humanity, especially on the most sacred day of the Christian calendar.
Leading Mass in a bustling St Peter’s Square adorned with flowers, the pontiff then delivered his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing and message from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Despite recent bouts of poor health, which prompted him to scale back public appearances and cancel engagements, Francis participated in Holy Week events leading up to Easter and appeared in relatively good spirits on Sunday, the day marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Following the service, the Pope greeted the crowds from his open-top popemobile as he traversed St Peter’s Square and the thoroughfare leading to the River Tiber. The Vatican estimated the crowd at around 60,000 attendees.
Expressing deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Pope Francis reiterated his call for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid access and the release of hostages. He reflected on the profound suffering witnessed, particularly by children, in war-torn regions, questioning the senselessness of violence and destruction.
In his Easter message, the Pope addressed various global crises, spanning from Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, to other regions such as Haiti, Myanmar, Sudan, the Sahel, Horn of Africa, Congo, and Mozambique.
Referring to previous efforts by Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi to facilitate the repatriation of Ukrainian children from Russia and Russian-occupied territories, Pope Francis advocated for a comprehensive prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
Additionally, he condemned human trafficking and offered prayers for those afflicted by violence, hunger, and the adverse impacts of climate change. He also extended condolences to victims of terrorism worldwide, underscoring the need for hope and consolation in the face of such challenges.
