Today's Edition
VATICAN CITY (Reuters)
Pope Francis made renewed calls on Easter Sunday for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages in a peace-focused address marking the most important day on the Christian calendar.
Francis presided over Mass in a packed St Peter’s Square, and then delivered his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing and message from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Francis has repeatedly deplored the death and destruction in the Gaza war.
“I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on last October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip,” he said on Sunday.
“How much suffering we see in the eyes of children, the children have forgotten to smile in those war zones. With their eyes, children ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity and a defeat”, he added.
