Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Even with Poor Health, Pope Francis Attends Easter Celebration in Vatican and Calls for Peace in Gaza Strip, Asking for the Release of Hostages and Immediate End to the War
Even while recovering from a severe pneumonia, Pope Francis, 88, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica this Easter Sunday. In front of thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, he briefly participated in the traditional celebration, while an aide read the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. The participation was brief but loaded with meaning considering the pontiff’s health condition.
Pope Calls for Ceasefire in the Middle East
During the message, the Pope called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He condemned the “deplorable humanitarian situation” caused by the 18-month war between Israel and Hamas.
The pontiff stated: “I express my closeness to the sufferings… of all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people.” In addition, he appealed to Hamas to release the hostages still held captive.
-
Attacks on refineries in Iran release a gigantic toxic cloud with 33,000 tons of sulfur dioxide, crossing 2,000 kilometers in just two days and triggering an environmental alert compared to a large-scale volcanic eruption.
-
The USA and Ukraine signed an agreement in 2025 that gives Washington priority access to lithium, titanium, uranium, and rare earths in exchange for military aid. The country, which has one-third of Europe’s lithium reserves and 7% of the continent’s titanium, is negotiating sovereignty over resources worth trillions using geological maps made by the Soviet Union 60 years ago.
-
The USA classifies PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorists, targets asset freeze and material support, but the decision opens a diplomatic crisis with Brazil and reignites alert over sovereignty, sanctions, and the fight against organized crime in a year of national political tension.
-
China, European Union, Mexico, South Korea, Canada, and other markets tighten the siege against Brazilian agribusiness: soybeans, beef, chicken, eggs, and live animals are targeted by sanitary barriers, environmental rules, and requirements that expose Brazil’s billion-dollar dependence on foreign buyers.
The Pope took the occasion to condemn the rise of antisemitism in the world and reinforced his criticism of Israeli military actions. Prior to his five-week hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Francis had already described the situation in Gaza as “very serious and shameful.”
In the Easter message, he declared: “I appeal to the conflicting parties: declare a ceasefire, release the hostages, and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”
Convalescence and Recent Activities
Since being discharged from the hospital on March 23, the Pope has been under medical recommendation for two months of rest. Nevertheless, he has made sporadic appearances.
On Sunday, he was substituted by Cardinal Angelo Comastri in leading the Mass. Recently, he also visited a prison in Rome, but did not perform the traditional foot-washing ritual. When asked by journalists about his health, he replied: “I am living the best way possible.”
Meeting with the Vice President of the United States
Still on Sunday, the Pope had a private meeting with the Vice President of the United States, JD Vance. They exchanged Easter greetings.
The previous Saturday, Vance had already met with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and with Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary of the Holy See for Relations with States.
The visit took place two months after tensions between Francis and the Trump administration. The Pope had criticized American plans to deport millions of immigrants and cut social programs.
Francis also rejected Vance’s attempt to use ancient Catholic teachings to justify these policies. In response, he published an open letter to Catholic bishops in the U.S., advocating that the Church think of all, not just the closest.
With information from Al Jazeera.
Be the first to react!