ROME (AP) — Pope Francis, recovering from a winter-long respiratory illness, led about 30,000 people Sunday in Easter celebrations, promoting a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine. He strongly urged replacement.
Francis presided over Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square, decorated with flowers, and then offered a heartfelt prayer for peace in his annual summary of global crises. During that time, he circled the square multiple times in his papal mobile, greeting well-wishers.
“Peace is never made with weapons; it is made with an outstretched hand and an open heart,” Francis said from a loggia overlooking the square, to applause from the wind-swept crowd below.
Despite celebrating a two-and-a-half-hour Easter Vigil just hours earlier, Francis appeared to be in good spirits. The Pope, who had part of one of his lungs removed when he was young, fight respiratory problems all winter long.
The Vatican said about 30,000 people attended the Mass, with even more crowding Via Conciliazione, which leads to the square. At the start of the service, a gust of wind toppled a large religious icon on the altar just a few feet from the Pope. The usher quickly fixed it.
Easter Mass is one of the most important days in the liturgical calendar, celebrating what believers believe is the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. The Mass precedes the Pope's “Urbi e Orbi'' blessing (Blessing of the City and the World), during which the Pope traditionally presents a laundry list of threats that afflict humanity.
Francis said this year his thoughts were especially with the people of Ukraine and Gaza, and all those facing war, especially children who have “forgotten to smile.”
Pope Francis waves to the faithful from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica before the “Urbi e Orbi” (To the City and the World) blessing at the Vatican on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
“In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine. Everything for everyone!” he said.
He called for the “immediate” release of prisoners taken from Israel on October 7, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and humanitarian access for Palestinians.
“Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have a serious impact on our citizens, who have reached the limit of their patience, and above all on our children,” he said in a speech that also touched on the plight of the Haitian people. In it he stated the following: Rohingya and victims of human trafficking.
In recent weeks, Mr. Francisco has generally avoided giving long speeches to avoid strain on his breathing.he I stopped pious worship on Palm Sunday. Last week, I made a last-minute decision to stay home and not participate in the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum.
A view of St. Peter's Square in the Vatican during the Easter Mass celebrated by Pope Francis on Sunday, March 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
The Vatican said in a briefing that the decision was taken “to protect his health.”
The decision clearly paid off, with Francis administering the sacraments of baptism and first communion to eight new Catholics, reciting the long Paschal Vigil on Saturday night, and celebrating Easter Sunday Mass. I was able to preside and give a speech.
Francis was not the only leader whose mere presence at Easter signaled reassuring signs of stability and normalcy.
In the UK, King Charles III attended the Easter service at Windsor Castle with the Queen and other members of the royal family. His most important public outing Since he was diagnosed with cancer last month.
The King waved cheerfully to the audience as he entered St George's Chapel. When the audience shouted “Happy Easter,” Charles responded, “And to you, too.”
But things were far from normal in Jerusalem, where Easter Mass was being celebrated in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Only a few dozen believers attended the service as the war between Israel and Hamas escalates in the Gaza Strip.
The medieval church in the old town is a sacred site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.
In recent years, the church has been filled with worshipers and tourists. But the bloody conflict in Gaza, now in its sixth month, has led to a significant decline in tourism and pilgrimage across Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The streets of the Old City were also empty of Palestinian Christians from the West Bank, who usually gather in the holy city for Easter. Since the conflict erupted, special permits have been required for Palestinian worshipers from Israeli-occupied territory to cross checkpoints into Jerusalem.
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Associated Press correspondent Danica Kirka in London and Jack Jeffrey in Cairo contributed.
