Antonino Galofaro // Photo credits: BARIS SECKIN / ANADOLU / ANADOLU VIA AFP
Pope Francis took advantage of his traditional Easter message to call, as he does every year, for peace in the world. The sovereign pontiff notably requested an exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia, but also an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in the face of certain unconvinced faithful.
Holy Week and the Easter celebrations ended this Sunday, March 31, with the mass of Pope Francis, Saint Peter’s Square, in Rome, and the traditional Easter message. The pope’s first words were addressed to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
“I call for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. And that access for humanitarian aid to Gaza be guaranteed, and I again urge the rapid release of the hostages kidnapped on October 7, as well as an immediate ceasefire,” the Pope said in front of tens of thousands of faithful. Despite concerns about his health, the 87-year-old pontiff appeared in relatively good shape, although his voice was a little weakened.
“Only the Lord can do anything”
Mara, Giorgio and Anna listened attentively to the Easter message, but remain skeptical of these words of peace. “What he is trying to make the world understand is that we are heading straight into the wall,” according to Mara. “He touches people straight to the heart, unfortunately, he still asks for peace,” adds Giorgio. For Anna, these words remain in vain: “No one listens to him. Only the Lord can do something…”. The Pope also called for prayer for the victims of “food insecurity, the effects of climate change and all forms of terrorism.”