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Pope Francis rallied from a winter-long bout of respiratory problems to lead some 60,000 people in Easter celebrations, where he called for a ceasefire in Gaza. He also appealed for a prisoner swap between
Russia and
Ukraine in a flower-decked St. Peter’s Square. “Peace is never made with weapons, but with outstretched hands and open hearts,” Francis said from the loggia overlooking the square, to applause from the wind-swept crowd below. Francis appeared in good form, despite having celebrated the 2½-hour nighttime Easter Vigil just hours before. The pontiff, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been battling respiratory problems all winter and his full participation in Easter services was not entirely guaranteed, especially after he skipped the traditional Good Friday procession. But in a sign he was feeling okay, he made several loops around the piazza in his popemobile after Mass, greeting well-wishers. The Vatican said some 60,000 people attended the Mass, with more packing the Via della Conciliazione boulevard leading to the piazza. At the start of the service, a gust of wind knocked over a large religious icon on the altar just a few feet from the pope; ushers quickly righted it. Easter Mass is one of the most important dates on the liturgical calendar, celebrating what the faithful believe was Jesus’ resurrection after his crucifixion. Pope Francis runs Vatican's Easter vigil after pulling out of Good Friday service The Pope's last minute withdrawal from Easter event raises concerns over his health People claim that Nostradamus' predictions are coming true in 2024 Celebrate Art of London’s collaborations with
Women artists The Mass precedes the “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing, in which the pope traditionally offers a laundry list of the threats afflicting humanity. This year, Francis said his thoughts went particularly to people in Ukraine and
Gaza and all those facing war, particularly the children who he said had “forgotten how to smile.” “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: all for the sake of all!” he said. He called for the “prompt” release of prisoners taken from Israel on Oct. 7, an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and for humanitarian access to reach
Palestinians. “Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have grave repercussions on the civil population, by now at the limit of its endurance, and above all on the children,” he said in a speech that also touched on the plight of Haitians, the Rohingya and victims of human trafficking. For the past few weeks, Francis has generally avoided delivering long speeches to avoid the strain on his breathing. He ditched his Palm Sunday homily last week and decided at the last minute to stay home from the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum. The Vatican said in a brief explanation that the decision was made to “conserve his health.” The decision clearly paid off, as Francis was able to recite the prayers of the lengthy Saturday night Easter Vigil service, including administering the sacraments of baptism and First Communion to eight new Catholics, and preside over Easter Sunday Mass and deliver his speech. MORE ABOUT Have your say...