Wars in the world are central to the Pope's Easter address

Pope Francis delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi (For the City and the World) blessing and Easter address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

In his Easter message, the Pope called for respect for international law. He also expressed his hope for an exchange of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners. He then called for the “immediate” release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The Pope also insisted on allowing more humanitarian aid to be provided to Gaza. He drew attention to children in the closed Palestinian Strip. He said: “We see so much suffering in their eyes. They have forgotten how to laugh.”

Watch the clip in which the Pope speaks out against the wars in Gaza and Ukraine:

As in previous years, his thoughts go out to the victims of the war in Ukraine. He also referred to the civil war in Syria that has been going on for fourteen years.

Francis said: “Peace is not achieved through weapons, but through communication and openness of the heart.” “War is always a defeat.”

The Pope spoke of the gap between population groups that he sees in more and more countries. “Let ethnic, cultural and religious differences not lead to division, but to communication,” he said.

The Pope also spoke about other major problems in the world, such as climate change, famine, drought, migration and economic problems.

Before the blessing, the Pope celebrated Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square. More than 60,000 people attended the mass. The 87-year-old Pope led part of the group session. According to the Vatican, it has been saving its strength in recent days to be able to experience as many parts of this week as possible, which is the most important of the church year.

Therefore, on Friday he skipped the Via Crucis at the Colosseum, which is a walk along fourteen so-called stations, which commemorate the Passion of Jesus, and his journey to the Cross. Last night Francis was at the Easter Vigil.

After today's Mass, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church headed across the square in the papal car to personally greet the faithful who had arrived. Highlighting the visitors who cheered him loudly.

Also this year, the square was decorated with flowers and plants from the Netherlands, more than 35,000 of which were brought to the Vatican after being blessed in Lisse. This tradition began after the beatification of Dutch priest Titus Brandsma in 1985. The Pope canonized him in 2022.