Pope Francis Requests An End To Violence In Gaza And Ukraine

Pope Francis

Using his customary Easter speech, Pope Francis has demanded that the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant organization Hamas end and that Israeli hostages held by Hamas be released.

Despite health issues, the 87-year-old pope celebrated Easter Mass in front of thousands of people at the Vatican. The Pope begged against “yield to the logic of weapons and rearming,” citing several conflicts throughout the globe.

“Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts,” he stated.

To hear the Pope, tens of thousands of believers gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Francis made the following statement just before new cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas were about to start: “I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip.”

He made the following remarks regarding how the war has affected citizens, starting with children: “In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine,” the Pope said.

It has been just over two years since Russia began its full-scale invasion of its neighbor, Ukraine, and Pope Francis has spoken out against nations re-arming.

Following Hamas' historic onslaught in southern Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 fatalities and 253 hostages, the Gaza War broke out.

Israel declared its intention to annihilate Hamas as it started a counteroffensive. According to the health ministry operated by Hamas, 32,782 Palestinians have died and 75,298 have been injured since then.

Easter Sunday is a significant day in the Catholic calendar, observed by 1.3 billion people worldwide.

Pope Francis was assisted into a wheelchair on Sunday while he was welcomed by cardinals attending Easter Mass.

Then, in the popemobile, he drove around St. Peter's Square, waving to significant crowds.

Pope Francis oversaw the Good Friday service at Saint Peter's Basilica two days ago, but he opted out of the customary Way of the Cross ceremony and procession at Rome's Colosseum in order to preserve his health, according to the Vatican.

The Vatican announced in a statement that the Pope had chosen to take a precautionary break.

The Vatican's Easter Sunday event was televised worldwide.

However, he participated in a two-hour Easter vigil on Saturday and delivered a lengthy sermon during that time.