Western churches celebrate Easter on March 31 – the main holiday of Christians, established in honor of the central moment of Christian doctrine – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pope Francis, despite his health condition, took part in the Easter mass.
“I once again call for the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza, I call for an early truce and the release of all hostages,” the pontiff said, addressing tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
He also called on Russia and Ukraine to conduct an exchange of prisoners – according to the formula of all for all.
On the night of March 31, Francis also served an all-night vigil. He noted that Easter symbolizes the victory of life over death. He compared the boulder that blocked the entrance to the tomb of Christ with insurmountable obstacles that a person finds the strength to overcome.
Let us remind you: due to health reasons, the Pope missed the religious procession on Good Friday. The pontiff previously said that, like his predecessor Benedict XVI, he would be ready to leave his post if he could no longer fulfill his duties.