Pope Francis looks on from a balcony, on the day he delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (To the city and the world) message at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, at the Vatican on March 31, 2024. (Credit: Yara Nardi/Reuters)
Pope Francis on Sunday renewed his calls for the release of Israeli hostages and an immediate cease-fire 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 Oct. 7 and for an immediate cease-fire in the Strip," the pope said in his Easter message in the Vatican.
Pope Francis on Sunday renewed his calls for the release of Israeli hostages and an immediate cease-fire 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 Oct. 7 and for an...