In the midst of renewed concerns regarding his well-being, Pope Francis presided over Easter Sunday Mass, delivering a significant annual message despite a hoarse yet resolute voice. Addressing global conflicts, he made explicit pleas for peace in Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine.
This appearance followed the pope’s decision to scale back his involvement in two major Holy Week events, seemingly made at the last minute. These decisions signify a new phase in his over 11-year papacy, characterized by a consistent theme of acknowledging and embracing the limitations inherent to humanity. Now, he appears to be entering a period of scaling back to observe and emphasize the constraints imposed by his own health, conserving strength for pivotal moments.
Following Mass, Francis embarked on an extended tour in his popemobile around St. Peter’s Square before delivering his traditional Easter message from a balcony overlooking the square. Amidst tens of thousands of faithful and dignitaries, he urged against the escalation of war in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Referencing the stone that sealed Jesus’ tomb before his resurrection, Francis lamented the figurative “stones” obstructing humanity’s hopes, including war, humanitarian crises, human rights violations, and human trafficking.
While addressing various priorities, Francis emphasized the conflicts plaguing the world, particularly focusing on Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine. He called for the release of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, urged humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and demanded an immediate cease-fire in the region.
Despite battling health issues, including flu-like symptoms and previous surgeries, Francis remained steadfast in his Easter rituals, including the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual and Easter Vigil. On Sunday, he radiated positivity as he interacted with the crowd, emphasizing the toll of conflicts on civilians and expressing solidarity with suffering populations worldwide.