Easter message: Pope calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

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Pope Francis used his traditional Easter message in St. Peter’s Square to make a strong appeal for peace and called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. In addition to the conflict in the Middle East, the head of the Catholic Church also recalled Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine at the height of Easter celebrations. “The Risen Christ opens a path of peace for the suffering peoples in these regions,” the 87-year-old said on Sunday.

Francis called for guaranteed humanitarian access to Gaza and the immediate release of the hostages abducted from Israel on October 7 by Hamas terrorists and other extremists to the closed coastal strip. Above all, he called for an end to the ongoing fighting – especially for the well-being of the children. “How much suffering we see in their eyes. Their appearance asks us: why? Why so many deaths? Why so much destruction?” War is always an absurdity and a defeat, the Pope said.

‘You can never achieve peace with weapons’

According to Francis, the world must defend itself against the rising winds of war in Europe and the Mediterranean. He warned against giving in to the logic of weapons and rearmament. Because: “Peace is never created with weapons, but by stretching out our hands and opening our hearts.” Regarding the war in Ukraine, he said: “I call for respect for the principles of international law and hope for a comprehensive exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: everything for everyone!”

In the Easter message, the Pope usually focuses on conflicts and wars and calls for peace and reconciliation. This year he also reflected on Syria, Lebanon, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Haiti and Myanmar, but also on trouble spots on the African continent. Francis’ call for peace was punctuated by applause from the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. The Argentinian later gave the traditional blessing “Urbi et Orbi”, i.e. to the city and the world. (SDA)

Source:Blick