Pope Francis delivered his "Urbi et Orbi" Easter blessing to tens of thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, March 31, 2024. In his address, the pontiff made a heartfelt appeal for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of all hostages taken during the October 7 attacks, and unimpeded humanitarian aid access.
He also called for peace in Ukraine, urging a prisoner exchange and a path to negotiation. The Pope highlighted other global conflicts, including those in Syria, Lebanon, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the Horn of Africa, pleading for an end to violence and the pursuit of dialogue.
Framed by floral arrangements on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the 87-year-old Pope spoke of the hope of Christ's resurrection. He concluded by wishing the crowd a happy Easter in 67 languages.
