On Easter, Pope Francis urges ceasefire in Gaza, global peace

Vatican City: On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis renewed his call for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to ongoing conflicts around the world, delivering a powerful message of peace and compassion from the Vatican.

Despite ongoing health challenges following a recent hospitalisation for double pneumonia, the 88-year-old pontiff appeared in St Peter’s Square, greeted by thousands of worshippers. Arriving in a wheelchair, he smiled and waved from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, offering a heartfelt “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter” to the cheering crowds.

Due to his condition, Pope Francis’s traditional Easter message, the 'Urbi et Orbi' ("to the city and the world"), was read aloud by an aide. In the address, the Pope called for peace, global disarmament, and the release of prisoners. He reiterated his urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and access to vital humanitarian aid for the war-torn region.

The Pope said the terrible conflict in Gaza continued to cause death and destruction and had created a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation, urging the international community to act decisively to help a people longing for peace and survival.

The Pope also spoke against the many physical, political, economic, and spiritual barriers that divide society, urging nations to redirect their resources from arms races to efforts that fight hunger, promote development, and foster care for one another.

In addition to the crisis in Gaza, he appealed for peace in conflict zones such as Yemen, Ukraine, Syria, and several parts of Africa. Expressing sorrow over the tragic loss of life in the recent earthquake in Myanmar, he underscored the importance of upholding the “principle of humanity” in daily actions.

Following the blessing, the Pope was driven through the square, where his vehicle paused several times so he could bless babies brought to him by members of the crowd.

With IANS inputs