Rallying from a winter-long battle with respiratory problems, Pope Francis took the lead in Easter celebrations on Sunday, in the presence of around 30,000 individuals. During the event, he passionately called for a cease-fire in Gaza and emphasized the urgent need for a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.
Pope Francis led the Easter Sunday Mass in a beautifully adorned St. Peter’s Square and proceeded to offer a heartfelt prayer for peace, addressing various global crises. In the midst of it all, he took multiple rounds around the piazza in his popemobile, warmly greeting the well-wishers who had gathered.
“Peace is not achieved through the use of weapons, but through the extension of hands and the openness of hearts,” Francis declared, as he stood on the loggia with a view of the square. The crowd below, braving the wind, responded with applause to his powerful words.
According to Fabio Marchese Ragona, the book discusses the topic of resignation. He recalls the individual stating, “I am currently content and have no intentions of resigning.”
Around 30,000 individuals gathered for the Mass, with many more filling up the Via della Conciliazione boulevard that leads to the piazza, as reported by the Vatican. As the service commenced, a strong gust of wind caused a large religious icon on the altar to topple over, coming just a few feet away from the pope. However, ushers promptly rectified the situation and restored the icon to its rightful position.
Easter Mass holds significant importance on the liturgical calendar as it commemorates the faithful belief in Jesus’ resurrection following his crucifixion. Preceding the Mass is the pope’s “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing, where the pope traditionally addresses a range of challenges faced by humanity.
Francis expressed his concern for the people in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as all those affected by war. He specifically mentioned the children who have lost their ability to smile.
He expressed his hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of respecting the principles of international law. “All for the sake of all!” he added.
He urged for the immediate release of prisoners taken from Israel on Oct. 7, called for an instant cease-fire in Gaza, and emphasized the importance of providing humanitarian access to Palestinians.
In a poignant speech, he expressed his deep concern about the dire consequences of the ongoing hostilities on the civilian population, particularly the children. He emphasized the urgent need to address the suffering of not only the affected population but also other vulnerable groups such as Haitians, Rohingya, and victims of human trafficking.
The Vatican made a decision to “conserve his health,” as stated in a brief explanation.
Francis’s decision to undergo extensive training and preparation for the Easter Vigil service proved to be a success. With utmost dedication, he flawlessly recited the prayers and performed the sacraments of baptism and First Communion for eight individuals who were becoming new Catholics. Additionally, he confidently presided over the Easter Sunday Mass and delivered a heartfelt speech to the congregation. The fruits of his efforts were evident in the seamless execution of these important ceremonies.
In a significant public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer last month, King Charles III joined the queen and other members of the royal family for an Easter service at Windsor Castle in Britain.
As he made his way into St. George’s Chapel, the monarch greeted the onlookers with a warm wave. A passerby couldn’t help but shout “Happy Easter,” to which Charles cheerfully replied, “And to you.”
In Jerusalem, Easter Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was far from normal. Despite the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, only a small number of faithful were able to attend the service.
The medieval church in the Old City holds great significance for Christians as it is believed to be the sacred location where Jesus was crucified, buried, and ultimately resurrected.
In the past, the church used to be bustling with both worshippers and tourists. However, the ongoing bloody conflict in Gaza, which has now entered its sixth month, has led to a significant decline in tourism and pilgrimages throughout Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The old city streets were noticeably missing Palestinian Christians from the West Bank, who usually come to the Holy City for Easter. Due to the ongoing conflict, Palestinian worshippers from the Israeli-occupied territory now require special permission to cross checkpoints into Jerusalem.
