Pope Francis, recently hospitalized with pneumonia, publicly called for a ceasefire in Gaza during an Easter Sunday mass. Appearing briefly at St. Peter's Basilica, he condemned the dire humanitarian crisis resulting from Israel's ongoing military actions and emphasized empathy for both Israeli and Palestinian suffering. He urged Hamas to free captives and denounced a rising trend of anti-Semitism. This statement reflects the pope's increasing vocal stance against the conflict as he recovers from serious health issues that kept him hospitalized for over a month.
I express my closeness to the sufferings of all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people, said the message. The pope also called on the Palestinian armed group Hamas to release its remaining captives and condemned what he said was a worrisome trend of anti-Semitism in the world.
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.
Before his recent five-week stay at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Francis had been ramping up criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, calling the situation very serious and shameful in January.
Bays questioned whether Francis was following his doctors' advice, having made short appearances in recent days, including a visit to a prison in Rome, where he abstained from traditional activities.
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