Pope Francis, during his Easter address at the Vatican on Sunday, called upon the global community to reject the reliance on weaponry, alleviating concerns over health issues as he welcomed thousands of Catholics.
The 87-year-old pontiff delivered the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing, following his leadership of Easter Mass before 60,000 faithful gathered at Saint Peter’s Square, projecting a buoyant demeanor throughout the event.
In his customary address broadcast worldwide, Pope Francis decried war as ‘always an absurdity and a defeat,’ highlighting conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar.
Standing at the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica for his Easter ‘Urbi et Orbi’ message and blessing, Pope Francis made fervent appeals for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for increased aid shipments to the embattled territory and the release of hostages held following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which ignited the conflict.
Expressing deep concern for the civilian populace, particularly children, Pope Francis warned against the escalation of hostilities in Europe and the Mediterranean, urging a steadfast refusal to succumb to the allure of weaponry and rearmament.
Additionally, the pontiff proposed a ‘general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine’ as the conflict between the two nations entered its third year, while also calling on global leaders to intensify efforts to combat the scourge of human trafficking and liberate its victims.
Just before delivering the blessing, Pope Francis traversed the adoring crowd aboard his ‘popemobile,’ as pilgrims fervently chanted ‘Long live the pope!,’ waved flags, and strained to capture the moment in photographs.
