Pope Francis has asked Catholics to “pray for me” in his Easter Monday address, as well as reiterating his call for peace across the world.
The pontiff spoke to gatherers in Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican on Monday after rallying from a winter-long bout of respiratory problems.
Francis’ speech followed his strong appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine during Easter celebrations on Sunday.
Speaking to crowds gathered on Monday he said: “May the peace of Christ also come to those places where he is most in need, to people torn by war, by hunger, by all forms of oppression.”
Francis added: “Please do not forget to pray for me… Have a good lunch and until next time.”
His comments echoed his speech on Sunday when he delivered a heartfelt prayer for peace in his annual roundup of global crises.
Gaza's people, including the small Christian community there, have been a source of constant concern for Francis.
"Peace is never made with weapons, but with outstretched hands and open hearts," Francis said from the loggia overlooking the square, to applause from the wind-swept crowd below on Sunday.
He appeared in good form, despite having celebrated the 2-hour nighttime Easter Vigil just hours before.
The pontiff, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been battling respiratory problems all winter and his full participation in Easter services was not entirely guaranteed, especially after he skipped the traditional Good Friday procession.
But in a sign the 87-year-old was feeling okay, he made several loops around the piazza in his popemobile after Mass, greeting well-wishers.
Pope Francis prays that the Risen Lord’s gift of peace might reach all places torn by war, and thanks everyone who sent him Easter greetings and well-wishes.https://t.co/E6bhbWL05j pic.twitter.com/cRrOZmrm9p
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 1, 2024
The Vatican said some 60,000 people attended the Mass on Sunday, with more packing the Via della Conciliazione boulevard leading to the piazza.
Easter Mass is one of the most important dates on the liturgical calendar, celebrating what the faithful believe was Jesus' resurrection after his crucifixion.
The Mass precedes the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing, in which the pope traditionally offers a laundry list of the threats afflicting humanity.
This year, Francis said his thoughts went particularly to people in Ukraine and Gaza and all those facing war, particularly the children who he said had "forgotten how to smile".
"In calling for respect for the principles of international law, I express my hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine: all for the sake of all," he said.
He called for the "prompt" release of prisoners taken from Israel on October 7, an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and for humanitarian access to reach Palestinians.
"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," he said in a speech that also touched on the plight of Haitians, the Rohingya and victims of human trafficking.
For the past few weeks, Francis has generally avoided delivering long speeches to avoid the strain on his breathing. He ditched his Palm Sunday homily last week and decided at the last minute to stay home from the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum.
The Vatican said in a brief explanation that the decision was made to "conserve his health".
Francis was able to recite the prayers of the lengthy Saturday night Easter Vigil service, including administering the sacraments of baptism and First Communion to eight new Catholics, and preside over Easter Sunday Mass and deliver his speech.
