Pope Francis Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza Strip and Release of Hostages in Easter Message
VATICAN CITY — In a powerful Easter message, Pope Francis urged for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The 87-year-old pontiff, despite health concerns, led Easter Mass at the Vatican in front of a massive crowd.
Addressing conflicts worldwide, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of peace over violence. He stated, “Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts,” as tens of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square to hear his message.
With fresh truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the horizon, the Pope called for humanitarian aid access to Gaza and the immediate release of hostages taken on Oct. 7. He also highlighted the devastating impact of war on civilians, especially children, condemning war as an “absurdity and a defeat.”
Furthermore, Pope Francis cautioned against countries re-arming themselves and mentioned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, advocating for a general exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine.
The conflict in Gaza erupted after an attack by Hamas on southern Israel, leading to a deadly cycle of violence. Since then, thousands of lives have been lost and many more injured.
Easter Sunday holds significance for Catholics worldwide, with 1.3 billion people observing the holy day. Despite health challenges, Pope Francis continued his Easter celebrations, engaging with the faithful in St Peter’s Square.
While recent health issues have affected the Pope’s schedule, he remains committed to his duties. The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis decided to rest as a precautionary measure, but still participated in Easter events and shared his message of hope and peace with the world.
Over the past year, Pope Francis has faced several health setbacks, including hospitalization for bronchitis and abdominal surgery. Despite these challenges, his dedication to spreading a message of love and compassion remains unwavering.
The Easter Sunday event from the Vatican was broadcast globally, reaching audiences around the world with a message of unity and peace.
