Israel-Hamas War: In a customary Easter speech, Pope Francis calls for a ceasefire in Gaza

Vatican City: According to CNN, Pope Francis called for a truce between Israel and Hamas during his usual Easter sermon on Sunday. Speaking to tens of thousands of people at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Francis discussed the issues facing Europe and the Middle East and criticised war as an “absurdity.”

In his speech on Sunday, the Pope reaffirmed his demand for a “prompt release of the hostages” and “access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza” in addition to an “immediate ceasefire” in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Children affected by conflict, he said, have “forgotten how to smile.” The Pope lately had to postpone events or speak less often due to illness, but on Easter Sunday, the most important day in the Christian calendar, he cheerfully uttered the whole “Urbi et Orbi” and waved to the throng.

CNN reported that the Vatican said that Francis had abruptly cancelled the Good Friday service in order “to preserve his health” for the rest of the weekend’s festivities.

The Pope has been presiding over five Holy Week liturgies since Thursday, including an Easter Vigil that lasted more than two hours on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Since Thursday, the Pope has presided over five liturgies throughout Holy Week, including an Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday that lasted for more than two hours.

The pope’s health has been a source of worry since he had surgery on his abdomen and was sent to the hospital with bronchitis last year.

The Pope was also taken to the hospital in recent weeks for examinations. Furthermore, CNN said that he often relied on his helpers to read aloud passages from his speeches when he was sick with the flu, bronchitis, or colds.

Francis, nevertheless, has also shown that he is determined to fully participate in Holy Week and Easter—the busiest times of the year for any pope.

The Pope has said that he does not intend to stand down from his position and that he views his role as a lifetime ministry. He often uses a wheelchair due to mobility limitations, although he has said that his “head”—rather than his legs—rules the church.