Pope overcomes health concerns to preside over Easter Mass and appeal for peace in Gaza and Ukraine

ROME — Pope Francis rallied from a winter-long bout of respiratory problems to lead some 60,000 people in Easter celebrations Sunday, making a strong appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print This year, Francis said his thoughts went particularly to people in Ukraine and Gaza and all those facing war, particularly the children who he said had “forgotten how to smile.” “In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: all for the sake of all!” he said. A view of St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican during the Easter Sunday mass celebrated by Pope Francis, Sunday, March 31, 2024. The Vatican said in a brief explanation that the decision was made to “conserve his health.” The decision clearly paid off, as Francis was able to recite the prayers of the lengthy Saturday night Easter Vigil service, including administering the sacraments of baptism and First Communion to eight new Catholics, and preside over Easter Sunday Mass and deliver his speech. “The holidays lack joy and the smile of children, which the occupation always tries to erase and kill this smile.” The plight of Gaza was also a concern in New York, where police arrested three people who disrupted the Easter Vigil Mass at Manhattan’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday.