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Pope Francis waves on the day of Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican
Photo: Yara Nardi / REUTERS
Pope Francis used his traditional Easter message in St. Peter's Square to make an urgent appeal for peace and called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. In addition to the Middle East conflict, the head of the Catholic Church also recalled the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine at the climax of the Easter celebrations. "The risen Christ opens a path of peace for the suffering population groups in these regions," said the 87-year-old on Sunday.
Francis called for guaranteed humanitarian access to Gaza and the immediate release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas terrorists and other extremists from Israel in the sealed coastal strip on October 7. Above all, however, they called for an end to the ongoing fighting - especially for the well-being of the children. »How much suffering we see in their eyes. Their looks ask us: Why? Why so much death? Why so much destruction?” War is always an absurdity and a defeat, said the pontiff.
"Peace is never achieved with weapons"
According to Francis, the world should defend itself against the increasing winds of war across Europe and the Mediterranean. He warned against succumbing to the logic of weapons and rearmament. Because: “Peace is never created with weapons, but by stretching out your hands and opening your hearts.” With regard to the Ukraine war, he said: “I call for respect for the principles of international law and hope for a comprehensive exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: all for all!”
In the Easter message, the Pope usually focuses on conflicts and wars and calls for peace and reconciliation. This year he also remembered Syria, Lebanon, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Haiti and Myanmar, as well as on the African continent. 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.
aka/dpa