Pope Francis renews call for Gaza ceasefire

Pope Francis, 87, appeared in relatively good spirits at the Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican. PHOTO: REUTERS

TEHRAN — Pope Francis has renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza in a peace-focused address marking Easter Sunday, the most important day on the Christian calendar.

“Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have grave repercussions on the civil population, by now at the limit of its endurance, and above all on the children,” Pope Francis said while presiding over mass in a packed St Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sunday.

“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 last October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip,” he stressed. (IRNA)