Pope Francis calls for ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine in Easter message

 

In his customary Easter speech, Pope Francis demanded that Hamas release its Israeli detainees and that there be a truce in the Gaza Strip.

Despite worries about his health, the 87-year-old pope celebrated Easter Mass in front of thousands of people at the Vatican.

In reference to global crises, the Pope implored people to resist "acquiescing to the logic of weapons and rearming."

"Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts," he stated.

To hear the Pope, tens of thousands of believers gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Francis declared: "I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip." The statement came just before new truce discussions between Israel and Hamas were scheduled to start.

He stated, "Looking into their eyes, we see how much suffering there is!" in reference to the effects of the conflict on people, starting with children. They look at us and wonder, "Why?" Why are so many people dying? Why is there so much destruction? Always, war is a defeat and a farce."

Just over two years after Russia began its full-scale invasion of its neighbor, Pope Francis also discussed the current crisis in Ukraine and cautioned nations against re-arming.

"In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine," the pontiff added.

Following Hamas' historic onslaught in southern Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 fatalities and 253 hostages, the Gaza War broke out.

Israel declared its intention to annihilate Hamas as it started a counteroffensive. According to the health ministry operated by Hamas, 32,782 Palestinians have died and 75,298 have been wounded since then.

Easter Sunday is a significant day in the Catholic calendar, observed by 1.3 billion people worldwide.

Pope Francis was assisted into a wheelchair on Sunday when he was welcomed by cardinals attending Easter Mass.

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Gazans scan the skies for signs of humanitarian aircraft.

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Then, in the popemobile, he drove around St. Peter's Square, waving to sizable crowds.

Pope Francis presided over the Good Friday liturgy at Saint Peter's Basilica two days ago. However, the Vatican announced that he opted out of the customary Way of the Cross ceremony and procession at Rome's Colosseum in order to preserve his health.

The Vatican announced in a statement that the Pope had chosen to take a precautionary break.

However, he participated in a two-hour Easter vigil on Saturday and delivered a long sermon during that time.

Pope Francis has experienced several health problems in the past year. He was hospitalized in March 2023 due to pneumonia, and a few months later, he had abdominal surgery to repair a hernia.

The Pope canceled his scheduled trip to the COP28 climate meeting in Dubai in November, the Vatican announced, citing influenza and lung irritation.