Pope Francis calls for peace in Gaza during Easter address

In a powerful Easter message, Pope Francis made a heartfelt appeal for peace in Gaza and called for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages. The Pope’s message, delivered from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, emphasized the need for a cease-fire in the war-torn region and urged for humanitarian aid to be provided to Gaza.

During his address, Francis also called for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, expressing his hope for peace in the midst of ongoing conflicts worldwide. The Pope’s words resonated with the tens of thousands of people gathered in the piazza, as he emphasized the importance of respecting international law and working towards reconciliation.

Francis’s message extended beyond the conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, as he expressed solidarity with the suffering in Syria, Haiti, and the Rohingya community. He called on political leaders to combat human trafficking and to work towards dismantling networks of exploitation.

The Pope’s Easter address was seen as a beacon of hope in a world plagued by violence and conflict. Despite battling respiratory problems earlier in the year, Francis appeared in good spirits, reassuring his followers and reaffirming his commitment to promoting peace and compassion.