Pope Francis Calls for Gaza Ceasefire in Easter Sunday Address

Pope Francis Calls for Gaza Ceasefire in Easter Sunday Address

Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, until the release of Israeli hostages during his Easter speech. (Reuters/Vatican Media)

 -- Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, until the release of Israeli hostages. He made this call when giving a blessing and the Urbi et Orbi message from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Sunday (31/3). 

In the blessing, Pope Francis said a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance must be provided immediately to Gaza. He also requested that the hostages arrested on October 7 be immediately released. 

"I call once again for ensured access to humanitarian aid to Gaza, as well as calling once again for the immediate release of the hostages captured on October 7 and an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip," said Pope Francis, as reported by Reuters. 

He continued his Urbi et Orbi blessing or message to the city and the world by emphasizing 'the attack has caused suffering'. The Pope also highlighted how many children suffer and lose their smiles because they are in war zones. 

In the blessing, the Pope even repeatedly questioned the death and destruction that occurred as a result of Israel's never-ending attacks on Palestine. 

"How much suffering we see in the eyes of children, they forget to smile in these war zones," said Pope Francis. 

"With their eyes, children ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why is there such destruction? War has always been a form of absurdity and defeat," he continued. 

Pope Francis' Easter message also highlights world conflicts that are still occurring today. He also did not fail to discuss other conflict points, including Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Armenia and Azerbaijan. 

Then, Haiti, Myanmar, Sudan, Congo, and Mozambique were also mentioned in Pope Francis' blessing this year. He also condemned human trafficking and prayed for hope for those suffering from violence, hunger and the effects of climate change. 

Pope Francis gave a speech on Easter Sunday despite his poor health over the past few weeks. This is also what made him cancel his attendance at Good Friday two days ago. 

However, he took part in other Holy Week events, looking fit when he appeared in public on Easter Sunday.