Pope Francis calls for Gaza ceasefire

VATICAN CITY, Mar 31: Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages in an Easter Sunday address that marked the most important day on the Christian calendar by deploring the suffering caused by wars.
The pontiff presided over Mass in a packed and flower-bedecked St Peters Square, and then delivered his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing and message from the central balcony of St. Peters Basilica.
Francis, 87, has been in poor health in recent weeks, forcing him on repeated occasions to limit his public speaking and cancel engagements as he did on Good Friday, skipping at short notice a procession at Romes Colosseum.
However, he took part in other Holy Week events leading up to Easter, and appeared in relatively good spirits on Sunday. Easter celebrates the day in which the faithful believe Jesus rose from the dead.    —REUTERS