ROME (AP) – Recovering from respiratory illness that lasted through the winter; pope francis He led about 30,000 people to Easter celebrations on Sunday, urging a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
Francis presided over Easter Sunday Mass in a flower-bedecked St. Peter's Square before giving his annual summary of global crises and offering a heartfelt prayer for peace from a loggia overlooking the square. During that time, he circled the square multiple times in his papal mobile, greeting well-wishers.
“Peace is never made with weapons; it is made with outstretched hands and open hearts,” Francisco said, to applause from the wind-blown crowd below.
Despite celebrating a two-and-a-half-hour Easter Vigil just hours earlier, Francis appeared to be in good spirits. Pope, who had part of one of his lungs removed when he was young, has been battling a respiratory illness all winter.
The Vatican said about 30,000 people attended the Mass, with even more crowding Via Conciliazione, which leads to the square. At the start of the service, a gust of wind toppled a large religious icon on the altar just a few feet from the Pope. The usher quickly fixed it.
Easter Mass is one of the most important days in the liturgical calendar, celebrating what believers believe is the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. The Mass precedes the Pope's “Urbi e Orbi'' blessing (Blessing of the City and the World), during which the Pope traditionally presents a laundry list of threats that afflict humanity.
Francis said this year his thoughts were especially with the people of Ukraine and Gaza, and all those facing war, especially children who have “forgotten to smile.”
“In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine. Everything for everyone!” he said.
He called for the “immediate” release of prisoners taken from Israel on October 7, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and humanitarian access for Palestinians.
“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,” he said in a speech that also touched on the plight of the Haitian people. In it he stated the following: Rohingya and victims of human trafficking.
In recent weeks, Mr. Francisco has generally avoided giving long speeches to avoid strain on his breathing. He abandoned last week's Palm Sunday piety and decided at the last minute to stay home from the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum.
The Vatican said in a briefing that the decision was taken “to protect his health.”
The decision clearly paid off, with Francis administering the sacraments of baptism and first communion to eight new Catholics, reciting the long Paschal Vigil on Saturday night, and celebrating Easter Sunday Mass. I was able to preside and give a speech.
After a busy Holy Week, Francis will need time to recover, as he has no major overseas trips planned for several months.
