Rallying from a winter-long bout of respiratory problems, Pope Francis led some 30,000 people in Easter celebrations Sunday and made a strong appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.
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. In between, he made several loops around the piazza in his popemobile, greeting well-wishers.
"Peace is never made with weapons, but with outstretched hands and open hearts," Francis said from the loggia overlooking the square, to applause from the wind-swept crowd below.
Francis appeared in good form, despite having celebrated the 2½-hour nighttime Easter Vigil just hours before. The pontiff, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been battling respiratory problems all winter.
The co-author of a new memoir of the pontiff told CBS News earlier this month that Francis only thinks about resignation because journalists ask him about it.
"In the book, we talk about the resignation," Fabio Marchese Ragona said. "He said, 'I am good right now, I don't think resignation.'"
The Vatican reported a crowd of around 30,000 individuals attending the Mass, with even more filling up the Via della Conciliazione boulevard leading to the piazza. During the commencement of the service, a sudden gust of wind caused a large religious icon on the altar to topple over just a few feet away from the pope; however, ushers promptly restored it to its rightful position.
Easter Mass stands as a significant event on the liturgical calendar, commemorating the faithful belief in Jesus' resurrection following his crucifixion. The Mass is followed by the pope's "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing, during which the pope traditionally addresses a wide array of challenges affecting humanity.
This year, Francis directed his thoughts towards the people in Ukraine and Gaza, along with all those enduring the ravages of war, particularly the children who, he mentioned, had "forgotten how to smile."
"By advocating for the adherence to the principles of international law, I express my aspiration for a comprehensive exchange of all detainees between Russia and Ukraine: all for the greater good of all!" he declared.
He urged for the immediate release of prisoners captured from Israel on Oct. 7, an instant ceasefire in Gaza, and for the facilitation of humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians.
"Let us prevent the ongoing hostilities from further impacting the civilian population, who are already at their breaking point, and especially the children," he articulated in a speech that also highlighted the challenges faced by Haitians, the Rohingya community, and victims of human trafficking.
During the recent weeks, Francis has mostly steered clear of delivering lengthy speeches to prevent strain on his breathing. He skipped his Palm Sunday homily and opted last minute to stay home from the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum.
The Vatican cited "preserving his health" as the reason for this decision.
This choice proved to be beneficial, as Francis managed to lead the prayers during the extensive Saturday night Easter Vigil service, conduct baptisms and First Communion for eight new Catholics, oversee Easter Sunday Mass, and deliver his address.
Francis wasn't the sole leader whose presence at Easter signified stability and normalcy.
In the United Kingdom, King Charles III participated in an Easter service at Windsor Castle alongside the queen and other royal family members. This marked his most significant public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer last month.
The king greeted onlookers with a cheerful wave as he entered St. George's Chapel. A bystander shouted "Happy Easter," to which Charles replied, "And to you."
However, in Jerusalem, the Easter Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre unfolded amidst unusual circumstances. Only a small group of worshippers attended the service due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
This medieval church in the Old City holds immense religious significance as the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.
Once bustling with worshippers and tourists, the church now stands quiet and empty. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, now in its sixth month, has led to a sharp decline in tourism and pilgrimages throughout Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Even the streets of the old city are deserted, void of Palestinian Christians from the West Bank who typically visit the Holy City for Easter. With the eruption of the conflict, Palestinian worshippers from the Israeli-occupied territory must obtain special permission to cross checkpoints into Jerusalem.
