Pope Francis rallied from a winter--long bout of respiratory problems to lead some 60,000 people in Easter celebrations Sunday, making a strong appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine, the AP News website reports on March 31, 2024.
Francis presided over Easter Sunday Mass in a flower--decked St. Peter's Square and then delivered a heartfelt prayer for peace in his annual roundup of global crises. Gaza's people, including the small Christian community there, have been a source of constant concern of Francis and Easter in the Holy Land overall was a somber affair this year given the war.
"Peace is never made with weapons, but with outreached hands and open hearts," Francis said from the loggia overlooking the square , to applause from the wind--swept crowd below.
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