Pope calls for humanitarian aid for Gaza at Easter mass

Despite health problems, Pope Francis celebrated Easter mass in St. Peter’s Square in Rome. He gave the traditional blessing “Urbi et Orbi” and urged a ceasefire in the Middle East.

The temperatures were spring-like, and a light wind blew across St. Peter’s Square, which was decorated with flowers. Pope Francis led the great mass partly standing and partly sitting, but with a firm voice.

Previously, concerns had repeatedly arisen about his poor health. He delivered the speech from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica while standing. He recalled that Easter opens a new path, the path for a renewed world:

Francis chose the image of the large stone that closed the tomb of Jesus. Even today there are such heavy boulders that close people’s hopes. Specifically, he mentioned the war, the humanitarian crises, the human rights violations and human trafficking. But there is hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“He opens up for us the path that is, from a human perspective, impossible, because only he takes away the sin of the world and forgives our sins. And without God’s forgiveness that stone cannot be removed. Without the forgiveness of sins, one cannot escape from closedness and prejudice , mutual suspicions and self-righteousness that lead to one always acquitting oneself and accusing others.”

Pope demands immediate armistice in the Middle East

Speaking from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis said his thoughts were primarily with the victims of the many current conflicts, starting with those in Israel and Palestine and Ukraine. He called for respect for international law and hoped for a comprehensive exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. He strongly condemned the war in the Middle East.

The war would particularly affect children. “Why so much death? Why so much destruction?” asked the head of the Catholic Church. As he has done so often, he criticized the rearmament: peace cannot be achieved with weapons.

Solidarity with migrants

Francis also recalled many other hot spots and crises in the world. He mentioned Syria, Lebanon, Haiti, Myanmar and the African continent by name. He also recalled the suffering of migrants and called for solidarity with them. At Easter, the celebration of life, he wanted to focus primarily on love. She transcends all boundaries.

But too often life is disregarded, he condemned abortion. “How many children are not even allowed to see the light of day? How many are starving or do not receive essential care or are victims of abuse and violence? How many lives are becoming a commodity due to increasing human trafficking?”

The Pope called on political leaders to combat human trafficking and take action against exploitation. After his speech, he gave the blessing “Urbi et Orbi” to the city and the world.

This is only given on high occasions, such as today’s Easter. This entails a complete remission of all sins. It applies not only to those who receive it on site, but also to everyone who follows the ceremony on television or via the radio.