Wars in the world are central to the Pope’s Easter speech

Pope Francis delivered the traditional blessing Urbi et Orbi (for the city and the world) and his Easter speech from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

In his Easter message, the Pope called for respect for international law. He also said he hoped for an exchange of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners. He then called for the “immediate” release of the Israeli hostages that Hamas has been holding in Gaza since October 7 and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The Pope also insisted on allowing more humanitarian aid to Gaza. He drew attention to the children in the closed Palestinian strip of land. “How much suffering we see in their eyes, they have forgotten how to laugh,” he said.

Watch the fragment in which the Pope speaks out against the wars in Gaza and Ukraine:

As in previous years, his thoughts go out to the victims of the war in Ukraine. He also mentioned the civil war in Syria, which has been going on for fourteen years.

“Peace is not achieved with weapons, but by reaching out and opening your heart,” Francis said. “War is always a defeat.”

The Pope reflected on the gap between population groups that he sees in more and more countries. “Let ethnic, cultural and religious differences not lead to division, but to connection,” he said.

The Pope also reflected on other major problems in the world, such as climate change, famine, drought, migration and economic problems.

Forces spared

Prior to the blessing, the Pope celebrated Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square. More than 60,000 people attended the mass. The 87-year-old pope performed part of the mass sitting. According to the Vatican, he has been saving his strength in recent days to be able to experience as many parts of this week as possible, the most important of the church year.

On Friday he therefore skipped the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum, the walk along fourteen so-called stations, which commemorates the Passion of Jesus, his walk to the cross. Last night Francis was at the Easter vigil.

Popemobile

After mass today, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church drove across the square in the popemobile to personally greet the faithful who had arrived. A highlight for the visitors, who cheered him loudly.

Once again this year, the square was decorated with flowers and plants from the Netherlands, more than 35,000 were brought to the Vatican after being blessed in Lisse. The tradition began after the beatification of Dutch priest Titus Brandsma in 1985. He was canonized by the Pope in 2022.