Pope Calls for Gaza Ceasefire and Global Peace on Easter
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Synopsis
On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis called for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to global conflicts. He addressed thousands in St Peter's Square, urging humanitarian aid and peace worldwide, while advocating for disarmament and a focus on development. His message emphasized compassion and the need for nations to prioritize humanity over arms.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Francis advocates for a ceasefire in Gaza.
- Emphasis on global peace and disarmament.
- Urges humanitarian aid for Gaza and other conflict areas.
- Calls for unity and dismantling barriers in society.
- Expressed sorrow over the Myanmar earthquake victims.
Vatican City, April 20 (NationPress) On the occasion of Easter Sunday, Pope Francis reiterated his demand for a ceasefire in Gaza and urged an end to ongoing conflicts around the globe.
Having recently been discharged from the hospital after a five-week treatment for an infection that resulted in double pneumonia, the Pope appeared at St Peter's Square to greet thousands of attendees with a heartfelt "Happy Easter".
Using a wheelchair, he waved from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica to the enthusiastic crowd, stating: "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter".
The Pope's traditional Easter message was delivered by a member of the clergy.
His assistant read aloud the well-known message, known as the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world), to the crowd in St Peter’s Square, emphasizing the necessity of worldwide peace, disarmament, and the release of prisoners, according to Vatican News.
At 88 years old, the pontiff, who is recovering from pneumonia, reaffirmed his call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages, and access to essential humanitarian aid.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to inflict death, destruction, and a dire humanitarian crisis, he remarked, urging the international community to respond and assist a desperate population yearning for peace.
The Pope also called for dismantling the physical, political, economic, and spiritual barriers that divide humanity.
He urged nations to allocate their resources towards alleviating hunger, fostering development, and nurturing one another, instead of rearmament.
In addition to Gaza, the Pope expressed his desire for peace in Yemen, Ukraine, Syria, and Africa.
He also conveyed his profound sorrow over the loss of countless lives in the recent quake in Myanmar.
The address concluded with the statement, "The principle of humanity must always guide our actions".
Following the blessing, the Pope was driven around the square, pausing numerous times to bless babies brought forth by their parents.
