Sun Apr 20 11:18:08 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis Renews Gaza Ceasefire Plea on Easter Sunday

**VATICAN CITY, April 20, 2025** – Pope Francis, in a weakened state following a recent bout of pneumonia, delivered a powerful Easter message urging an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The 88-year-old pontiff, who appeared briefly on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, reiterated his condemnation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the situation as “dramatic and deplorable.”

The Easter message, delivered by an aide while the Pope looked on, called for the release of hostages held by Hamas and condemned the rise of antisemitism globally. The Pope expressed his solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians, pleading with all warring parties to “call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”

This renewed call for peace comes after Hamas rejected a recent Israeli proposal for a temporary truce. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, announced an intensification of military pressure on Hamas. The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on Israel last October, has resulted in the deaths of over 51,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and over 1,200 Israelis.

Earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting Italy. The Vatican described the meeting as an exchange of Easter greetings.

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