Pope Francis, in his Easter Sunday address, voiced profound worry about a worldwide increase in antisemitism and forcefully denounced the continuing humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The 88-year-old pontiff, who was advised to cut back on public activity due to medical concerns, did not preside over the traditional Easter Mass but emerged at the conclusion to give his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing -a message directed to the city of Rome and the world.
Speaking from his wheelchair on St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony, Pope Francis speech was read for him by an aide. He pointed out that only through intrinsic rights and reciprocal respect, among them freedom of religion, of thought, and of expression, could peace come to be realized.
“I am referring to the Gazans, in particular the Christians, as this tragic conflict rolls on, laying waste to the land and unleashing death and a heartrending humanitarian emergency,” the pope declared. He spoke of the scene as “dramatic and deplorable,” again expressing his earlier requests for a cease-fire.
The pope also denounced the worldwide increase in antisemitism and appealed to Hamas to free the remaining hostages. He expressed his solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians and appealed to both sides to end violence and help a starving people that hopes for a future of peace. “I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages, and help a starving people that aspires to a future of peace,” the message stated.
The conflict started following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that claimed 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 hostages, as per Israeli officials. Since then, more than 51,000 Palestinians have been reportedly killed in Israel’s military crackdown, with 1,600 deaths being recorded within the last month alone.
Earlier on the same day, Pope Francis met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican for Easter wishes.
