Pope Francis Delivers Easter Message, Calls for Peace and Disarmament

In a deeply moving ceremony at the end of the Easter service, Pope Francis, despite his frail health, delivered his traditional Easter message to the faithful. The 88-year-old pontiff emphasized peace and disarmament while blessing the city and the world. Addressing the congregation, he said, ‘Dear brothers and sisters, especially those who live with pain and suffering, your silent cries have been heard, not a single tear has gone unnoticed. With the passion and death of Jesus, God lifted the weight of all evil in the world and conquered it with infinite mercy. Christ is risen. In this proclamation lies the essence of our existence, which is not made for death but for life. Easter is the feast of life.’ Pope Francis condemned the widespread violence witnessed daily across the globe, particularly against women and children, and criticized the lack of respect shown towards the vulnerable, migrants, and marginalized communities. Speaking from the Holy Sepulchre, he called for the light of peace to spread to all holy places and the entire world, standing by Christians suffering in Palestine and Israel. He expressed concern over rising antisemitism worldwide and highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Argentine pope reiterated calls for a ceasefire and aid for starving populations awaiting a peaceful future. His Easter message also hoped for lasting peace in Ukraine, stability in Lebanon and Syria, and unity in the Western Balkans. After the service, Pope Francis blessed approximately 50,000 devotees in St. Peter’s Square using his modest ‘papa mobile.’ Earlier, he met briefly with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’s husband, Douglas Emhoff, during a visit to Rome.