Joining Easter Mass, Pope Francis Calls For An Ceasefire Immediately In Gaza

JAKARTA - Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the immediate release of Israeli hostages detained by Hamas, and called for an end to the war in Ukraine while leading the Easter Mass at the Vatican on Sunday.

The Pope presided over the Mass in St. Peter's Square, delivering the blessing and message of "Urbi et Orbi" from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Tens of thousands of Catholics gathered in St. Peter's Square to hear Pope Francis lead the Easter Sunday Mass.

"I call for once again, that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and once again call for the immediate release of the hostages arrested on October 7 and a ceasefire immediately on the line," the Pope said, quoted by The National News April 1.

"Let us not allow the current hostility to continue to have a negative impact on civil society, which is currently at its limit of resilience, and especially on children," he continued.

The Pope's petition comes as Egypt hosts a new round of negotiations in an effort to secure a ceasefire of the Hamas-Israeli conflict in Gaza.

This year, the Pope also mentioned the suffering of Haitians, Rohingya and victims of human trafficking.

The Pope said his thoughts were on the people in Ukraine and Gaza as well as everyone facing the war, especially the children he thought had "forgot how to smile".

"In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for the exchange of all detainees between Russia and Ukraine, all for the sake of all!" he said.

After the service, Pope Francis boarded his open whale car to greet crowds in the square and the road linking St. Peter's Church to the Tiber River.