‘War is always absurdity’: Pope Francis calls for urgent Gaza ceasefire, release of hostages in Easter address

Vatican City

Prominent leaders worldwide are urging a halt to the ongoing Gaza conflict as humanitarian crises escalate. Joining the chorus, Pope Francis made a fervent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all Israeli hostages, something which still remains to be a far off prospect. The pontiff also called for an exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine while also rebuking human trafficking.

Addressing the people on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis used the occasion to condemn the escalating humanitarian crisis resulting from the Gaza conflict initiated by the Hamas militant group.

Easter Sunday is an important day in Christianity which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The occasion provided the pontiff with a platform to express his concerns as the war in Gaza continues unabated. 

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Even after recent health issues limiting his public appearances, Pope Francis presided over Mass in a crowded St. Peter's Square. In his "Urbi et Orbi" address, he reiterated his distress over the suffering in Gaza and called for urgent humanitarian access and the release of hostages.

"I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on last October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip," Pope Francis said during his address.

"How much suffering we see in the eyes of children, the children have forgotten to smile in those war zones. With their eyes, children ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity and a defeat", he added.

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Hostilities at limit of endurance

In addition to Gaza, Pope Francis also highlighted various global conflicts, including Russia-Ukraine war, Lebanon, Syria, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Myanmar, Haiti, the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions, Sudan, Mozambique, and Congo. 

There were approximately 60,000 attendees in St. Peter's Square. “Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have grave repercussions on the civil population, by now at the limit of its endurance, and above all on the children,” he said.

The pontiff also spoke briefly on the plight and sufferings of the Rohingya, Haitians and people suffering at the hands of human trafficking.

(With inputs from agencies)