Pope calls for ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of prisoners from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine – World

Pope Francis called this Sunday, during his Easter message, for “an exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine” and called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

“All for all”, said the Pope from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, before giving the Urbi et Orbi (to the City and the World) blessing before tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

In his Easter message, in which he recalled “the victims of so many ongoing conflicts in the world, starting with those in Israel and Palestine, and in Ukraine”, and asked that “the risen Christ open a path of peace for the suffering populations of these regions “.

The Pope then urged “respect for the principles of international law”.

And, among his requests, he called for “a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine”. “All for all!” he said.

In his message, Francis also reiterated his call for “the possibility of humanitarian access to Gaza to be guaranteed”, calling, once again, for the “rapid release of the hostages kidnapped on October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip “.

“Let us not allow the ongoing hostilities to continue to seriously affect the already exhausted civilian population, and especially the children. How much suffering we see in their eyes,” said the Pope.

The Pope also issued a warning: “Let us not let the winds of war blow ever more strongly over Europe and the Mediterranean” and “let us not give in to the logic of weapons and rearmament”.

“Peace is never built with weapons, but with the opening of our hearts”, he stressed.

The situations experienced in Syria, Armenia and Azerbaijan were also mentioned by the pontiff, who called for “consolation of the victims of any form of terrorism” and for prayers “for those who lost their lives”.

He also prayed that God “open paths of peace on the African continent” and put an end to the prolonged drought that affects vast areas and causes hunger and famine.”

He also cited the situation in the Western Balkan region, “where significant steps are being taken towards integration into the European project” and prayed that “ethnic, cultural and confessional differences will not be a cause of division”.

One more word for Haiti, in the sense that it “ceases as quickly as possible the violence that hurts and bloodies and that it advances on the path of democracy and fraternity” and “comforts the Rohingyas, affected by a serious humanitarian crisis, and opens the way to reconciliation in Myanmar”.

The Pope did not forget in his message migrants and people in economic difficulties to find hope and solidarity and children who “lack essential care or are victims of abuse and violence”.

This message was delivered by Pope Francis after having presided over the Easter Sunday mass and in which there was no homily.

After not having participated on Friday in the Stations of the Cross at the Coliseum in Rome, to preserve his health, the Argentine pontiff presented himself today, according to international agencies, “in good shape”, just as he did on Saturday, when he presided to the Easter Vigil Mass.

At the end of today’s Mass – concelebrated by more than 350 members of the clergy, including cardinals, bishops and priests -, Francis traveled through Saint Peter’s Square in a popemobile, greeting the faithful.

The atrium of the basilica was decorated with tens of thousands of flowers, thanks to the contribution of Dutch florists and the collaboration of workers from the Gardening and Environment Service.