Pope Francis, during the Easter Mass at the Vatican, addressed thousands of worshippers and called for peace in regions of conflict, specifically urging for a ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine. In his message, he highlighted the necessity of humanitarian aid in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas, and advocated for a general exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. Despite recent health challenges, including bronchitis and abdominal surgery, the 87-year-old pontiff delivered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message from St. Peter’s Basilica, emphasizing the importance of open hearts and peace over violence.

The Pope condemned the ongoing conflict driven by Hamas’s attack on Israel and its catastrophic impact, especially on civilians and children. His Easter message, significant within the Catholic Church’s calendar and followed by over a billion Catholics globally, underscored his commitment to advocating for peace and adherence to international law amid global strife.

Simultaneously, efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza saw more aid airdropped into the territory amidst Israel’s continued military offensive. These international efforts, aimed at providing essential supplies to civilians, faced challenges due to restrictions in ground transport. Despite questions regarding the effectiveness of airdrops by UN officials and skepticism from rights groups, these initiatives remain critical in offering support to those severely affected by the conflict.

Pope Francis’s appeal for peace and the ongoing humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza come at a vital time, as negotiations and truces are sought in conflict-ridden regions. The pontiff’s messages and the international response to the crisis in Gaza emphasize the global call for humanitarian support and peaceful resolutions.