Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He also called for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
Francis' appeals for peace were punctuated by applause from the faithful in St. Peter's Square. The Argentine later gave the traditional blessing “Urbi et Orbi”, i.e. to the city and the world. He said: “Peace is never created with weapons, but by stretching out your hands and opening your hearts.” The Easter message usually focuses on conflicts and wars.