Pope Francis waves from the central loggia of St. Peter's basilica during the Easter 'Urbi et Orbi' message and blessing to the City and the World as part of the Holy Week celebrations, in the Vatican on Sunday, March 31, 2024. - AFP
VATICAN CITY (AFP/dpa): Pope Francis on Sunday renewed his calls for the release of Israeli hostages and an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as fresh truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas were due to begin.
"I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip," the Pope said in his Easter message in the Vatican.
Francis celebrated Easter Sunday Mass on St Peter's Square in Rome on Sunday morning amid strict security provided by the Italian authorities.
While Francis was present, a high-ranking cleric led the service on behalf of the 87-year-old Pope, who is in ailing health.
A congregation of some 30,000 were present in mild spring temperatures of around 20 degrees but with a brisk wind. The square was decorated as always with flowers and plants, many from the Netherlands.
There were cheers as Francis was driven past the crowd in the Popemobile after the mass, with many calling out: "Viva il Papa!" (Long live the Pope).
The Vatican's Easter festivities have been overshadowed by concerns about the pontiff, who has been in poor health for months.
Strict security was in force as always, but increased this year following the recent terrorist attack on a concert hall near Moscow for which an Afghanistan-based Islamist terrorist group, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), has claimed responsibility.
Long queues formed at the entrances to the square as Italian police conducted checks.
The Mass, followed by the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing - Latin for to the city and the world - is the solemn highlight of the Easter holidays and the most important festival in the Christian calendar.
On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and thus the victory of life over death.
After the traditional Mass, the head of the Catholic Church is expected to enter St Peter's Basilica and proclaim the Easter message and give the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing from the central loggia.
