Pope Francis Calls for Gaza Ceasefire in Easter Message Amid Health Struggles
Vatican City – Pope Francis made a brief but poignant appearance on Easter Sunday, reiterating his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The 88-year-old pontiff, still recovering from pneumonia, did not preside over the Vatican’s Easter Mass but appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver his traditional Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”) blessing.
Pope’s Easter Message: Plea for Peace in Gaza
Despite his frail health, Pope Francis emphasized the urgent need for peace in Gaza, describing the situation as “dramatic and deplorable.” His message, read aloud by an aide, called for:
- An immediate ceasefire
- The release of hostages held by Hamas
- Humanitarian aid for Gaza’s starving population
“I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages, and come to the aid of a people that aspires to a future of peace,” the pontiff urged.
Health Struggles Limit Pope’s Participation
Francis has been recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia that hospitalized him for five weeks earlier this year. Doctors have advised him to limit his workload, leading him to miss most Holy Week events, including the Good Friday procession and Easter Vigil.
However, he made a brief appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, where he prayed and handed out candies to children. His voice remains weak, but he has recently appeared in public without the nasal oxygen cannula he had been using.
Gaza Conflict: Rising Death Toll and Stalled Negotiations
The Pope’s plea comes as:
- Hamas rejected Israel’s latest truce proposal, demanding a permanent end to the war in exchange for hostage releases.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered increased military pressure on Hamas.
- Over 1,600 Palestinians have been killed in the past month, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Francis has been vocal about the crisis, previously calling Gaza’s humanitarian conditions “very serious and shameful.”
Easter Celebrations Draw Thousands Amid Jubilee Year
Despite the Pope’s limited presence, thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, adorned with colorful tulips, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. This year’s Easter coincides with the Catholic Jubilee, a once-every-25-years event expected to draw massive pilgrim crowds to Rome.
US Vice President Meets Pope Briefly
In a notable diplomatic moment, US Vice President JD Vance met Pope Francis for a short exchange of Easter greetings. The meeting lasted only a few minutes, with no further details disclosed.
A Rare Unified Easter for Christian Branches
This year’s Easter was unusual as it aligned for both Western (Gregorian calendar) and Orthodox (Julian calendar) Christians, a rare occurrence that added to the significance of the celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Pope Francis, despite his health challenges, continues to advocate for global peace, particularly in Gaza. His Easter message serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for dialogue and compassion.