They came in droves, continuing to fill Rome’s St. Peter’s Square after the celebrations had already begun – at least 60,000 people, according to the Vatican. Perhaps the Catholic faithful who decided to attend the Mass of the Resurrection – celebrating the return to life of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion – on Sunday March 31 were a little worried. Perhaps they wanted to catch with their own eyes a pontiff who was going, at noon, to give, like every Easter Sunday, from the window of Saint Peter’s Basilica, his traditional blessing. Urbi and orbi (to the city and the world).
The cancellation, at the last minute, by the 87-year-old pontiff of his participation in the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum on Friday March 29 has revived persistent concerns about the state of health of the head of the Catholic Church for many months , imbuing the Easter 2024 celebrations with a strange atmosphere.
Yet he was there on Sunday, present first at mass, and then at the blessing. During the first part of the morning, François, who seemed tired, still managed to get up, leaning on his cane in order to change chairs during the ceremony. As a demonstration of force from the one who has already explained that he is perfectly aware that his opponents were waiting for his resignation or his death. The day before he had already celebrated Easter mass and had taken a tour of the basilica, greeting the faithful in order to show that he was indeed there.
It was to the loud cheers of the crowd who came to listen to him that Francis, on Sunday, made his traditional popemobile tour, greeting the faithful and giving them smiles.
“Humanitarian aid” and release of hostages
Appearing a few minutes later in the loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Pope launched his traditional appeal for peace, regretting that “too heavy stones close the hopes of humanity”. Those of ” the war “, “humanitarian crises”, “human rights violations”or even “human trafficking”.
“While calling for respect for the principles of international law, I call for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: all for all! », he first pleaded. The Pope then requested that access “humanitarian aid to Gaza is guaranteed”, before urging the release of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack perpetrated by Hamas in Israel. As usual, he called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
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