March 31, 2024 (EIRNS)—In his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” Easter Sunday message, Pope Francis expressed his concern for “the victims of the many conflicts worldwide,” many of which he called out by name. He began, however, with the conflicts in Ukraine, and in Israel and Palestine, urging, “May the risen Christ open a path of peace for the war-torn peoples of those regions.”
He reiterated his hopes for “a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: all for the sake of all,” and appealed again “that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza.” He then called once again for both “the prompt release of the hostages seized on 7 October last and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip,” adding:
