SPIRITUAL AI

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