VATICAN CITY: In a heartfelt Easter Sunday message delivered from the iconic balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis once again emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This plea came as the 88-year-old pontiff, who is still recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia, listened attentively to an aide reading his message aloud.

Due to health concerns and medical advice, Pope Francis did not preside over the Vatican's festive Mass for Easter. Instead, he made a brief appearance at the end of the event to offer the traditional Easter blessing and share his message, which is known as the Urbi et Orbi, meaning to the city and the world. This annual address is a significant occasion during which the pope addresses global issues and offers his blessings to people worldwide.

Before being hospitalized for five weeks due to pneumonia, which posed a significant threat to his health, Pope Francis had increasingly raised his voice against Israel's military operations in Gaza. In January, he described the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Palestinian enclave as very serious and shameful, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and action.

In his Easter message, the pope painted a dire picture of the situation in Gaza, describing it as dramatic and deplorable. He did not shy away from addressing the complexities of the conflict, urging not only for peace but also for the release of remaining hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Furthermore, he condemned a troubling rise in anti-Semitism globally, marking it as a significant concern that requires urgent attention.

I express my closeness to the sufferings of all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people, Pope Francis said, clearly advocating for empathy and understanding across both communities. He continued, I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages, and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace. This poignant appeal underscores the pope's commitment to humanitarian principles and his ongoing concern for those suffering in conflict zones around the world.