Pope Francis on Sunday appealed “to the Gaza Strip and to the world” for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and for the “immediate” release of all Israeli hostages.
The speech came after Francis presided over a morning Mass and took several laps around the square, greeting some of the tens of thousands of attendees estimated by the Vatican.
The Associated Press reported that Francisco, who had been battling a respiratory illness all winter, appeared to be “doing well.”It was a reassuring sign. After Frances skips He did not take part in the traditional Good Friday procession and was absent from last week’s Palm Sunday Mass, leaving open questions about whether he would fully participate in Easter celebrations.
Francis delivered his traditional annual address from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, expressing condolences to those suffering around the world and calling for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
“My thoughts are especially with the victims of the many conflicts around the world, including in Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine. I pray that the Risen Christ will reach out to the peoples of these war-torn regions. May You open the way to peace. In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I would like to express my support for the general exchange of all prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine on behalf of everyone. Express your wishes.”
Francis called for humanitarian aid to be “secured to Gaza,” the “immediate” release of all Israeli hostages taken on October 7, and an “immediate ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip.
“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. You see, children in war-torn lands have forgotten how to smile,” he added. “With their eyes they ask us: Why? Why did such death occur? Why did such destruction occur? War is always absurd. War is always defeated. is.”
“Let us not allow the winds of war to grow in Europe and the Mediterranean. Let us not succumb to the logic of arms and rearmament. Peace never comes by arms, but by outstretched hands and open hearts. It is built by.”
“Let us not forget Syria,” Francis said, pointing to the immense suffering caused by “a long and devastating war.” He also expressed sadness at the suffering of Haitians and Rohingya.
Francis urges all politically responsible persons to continue working tirelessly to dismantle networks of exploitation and bring freedom to victims, and to spare no effort in combating the scourge of human trafficking. ” he complained.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
