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Tag: Easter
Pope Francis makes appeal for peace in Gaza in Easter message
(The Hill) — Pope Francis made a strong appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and the “prompt” release of all Israel hostages during his traditional Easter message “to the city and the world” on Sunday.
The address came after Francis presided over Mass in the morning and made several loops around the piazza, greeting some of the tens of thousands of people that the Vatican estimated to be in attendance.
Francis appeared “in good form,” The Associated Press reported, after battling respiratory problems all winter. It was a reassuring sign after Francis skipped the traditional Good Friday procession and skipped the Palm Sunday Mass last week, leaving an open question as to whether he would be fully participating in the Easter celebrations.
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From the central balcony of the St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis delivered the traditional annual address, expressing his sympathies for those suffering throughout the world and calling for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
“My thoughts go especially to the victims of the many conflicts worldwide, beginning with those in Israel and Palestine, and in Ukraine. May the risen Christ open a path of peace for the war-torn peoples of those regions. 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!
Francis called for humanitarian aid to be “ensured to Gaza,” for the “prompt” release of all Israeli hostages taken on Oct. 7, and for “an immediately cease-fire” in the Gaza Strip.
King Charles III in Easter message calls for kindness after cancer diagnosis
“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. How much suffering we see in the eyes of the children: the children in those lands at war have forgotten how to smile!” he added. “With those eyes, they ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity; war is always a defeat!”
“Let us not allow the strengthening winds of war to blow on Europe and the Mediterranean. Let us not yield to the logic of weapons and rearming. Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts.”
Francis said, “let us not forget Syria,” noting the immense suffering from “a long and devastating war.” He also expressed grief for the suffering of the Haitians and the Rohingya.
Francis appealed “to all who have political responsibilities to spare no efforts in combatting the scourge of human trafficking, by working tirelessly to dismantle the networks of exploitation and to bring freedom to those who are their victims.”
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Easter celebrations held in Israel as Gaza strikes continue
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Pope Francis makes appeal for peace in Gaza in Easter message
Pope Francis made a strong appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and the “prompt” release of all Israel hostages during his traditional Easter message “to the city and the world” on Sunday.
The address came after Francis presided over Mass in the morning and made several loops around the piazza, greeting some of the tens of thousands of people that the Vatican estimated to be in attendance.
Francis appeared “in good form,” The Associated Press reported, after battling respiratory problems all winter. It was a reassuring sign after Francis skipped the traditional Good Friday procession and skipped the Palm Sunday Mass last week, leaving an open question as to whether he would be fully participating in the Easter celebrations.
From the central balcony of the St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis delivered the traditional annual address, expressing his sympathies for those suffering throughout the world and calling for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
“My thoughts go especially to the victims of the many conflicts worldwide, beginning with those in Israel and Palestine, and in Ukraine. May the risen Christ open a path of peace for the war-torn peoples of those regions. 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!
Francis called for humanitarian aid to be “ensured to Gaza,” for the “prompt” release of all Israeli hostages taken on Oct. 7, and for “an immediately cease-fire” in the Gaza Strip.
“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. How much suffering we see in the eyes of the children: the children in those lands at war have forgotten how to smile!” he added. “With those eyes, they ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity; war is always a defeat!”
“Let us not allow the strengthening winds of war to blow on Europe and the Mediterranean. Let us not yield to the logic of weapons and rearming. Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts.”
Francis said, “let us not forget Syria,” noting the immense suffering from “a long and devastating war.” He also expressed grief for the suffering of the Haitians and the Rohingya.
Francis appealed “to all who have political responsibilities to spare no efforts in combatting the scourge of human trafficking, by working tirelessly to dismantle the networks of exploitation and to bring freedom to those who are their victims.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Pope issues Easter Sunday call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
Pope Francis issued an urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and for an exchange of prisoners in the war in Ukraine during his traditional Easter Sunday address.
“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 7 October last and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip,” the pope said.
Turning to the war in Ukraine, he called for respect for the principles of international law and expressed the hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine.
In a general call for world peace, Francis mentioned conflicts along the Israel-Lebanon border, between Armenia and Azerbaijan and noted continuing fighting in many parts of Africa.
Earlier, he celebrated Easter Sunday Mass on St Peter’s Square in Rome on Sunday morning amid strict security provided by the Italian authorities.
While Francis was present, a high-ranking cleric led the service on behalf of the 87-year-old pope, who is in ailing health.
A congregation of some 30,000 were present in mild spring temperatures of around 20 degrees but with a brisk wind. The square was decorated as always with flowers and plants, many from the Netherlands.
There were cheers as Francis was driven past the crowd in the popemobile after the mass, with many calling out: “Viva il Papa!” (Long live the pope).
The Vatican’s Easter festivities have been overshadowed by concerns about the pontiff, who has been in poor health for months.
Strict security was in force as always, but increased this year following the recent terrorist attack on a concert hall near Moscow for which an Afghanistan-based Islamist terrorist group, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), has claimed responsibility.
Long queues formed at the entrances to the square as Italian police conducted checks.
The Mass and traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing – Latin for to the city and the world – is the highlight of the Easter holidays and the most important festival in the Christian calendar.
On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and thus the victory of life over death.
Easter marches continue across Germany on Easter Sunday
People turned out for traditional peace marches in several cities across Germany on Easter Sunday as the holiday weekend tradition continued.
Halle and Frankfurt-an-der-Oder on the Polish border were among the cities that held events on Sunday, according to the Peace Co-operative Network.
In the western state of North Rhine Westphalia, the Rhine-Ruhr Easter March made its way from the city of Essen to Wattenscheid on Sunday.
The motto of this year’s Easter marches is “Now more than ever – together for peace.”
Easter Sunday is generally considered the day with the lowest turnout. “I am satisfied,” Kristian Golla from the Peace Cooperative Network told dpa on Sunday.
The level of participation was roughly the same as last year or slightly higher, he added. It was still too early to name a nationwide total, however.
According to the organizers, the central themes are demands for negotiations in Russia’s war against Ukraine, which violates international law, as well as in the Gaza war. Protesters are also calling for nuclear disarmament and criticizing rising arms spending.
Thousands of participants already took to the streets in 70 German cities on Saturday.
In Cologne, for example, police reported that around 300 participants gathered on Roncalliplatz, a square near the cathedral, under the rallying motto “For a civilian turning point: End wars, stop armament!”
The motto used the term Chancellor Olaf Scholz coined, “Zeitenwende,” or turning point in Germany’s defence policy shortly after Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago.
The peace demos will continue on Monday, with events planned Hamburg, Dresden, Frankfurt, Munich and other muncipalities in Germany.
Germany’s traditional Easter Marches emerged from last century’s pan-European peace movement calling for nuclear disarmament and protesting the arms race, with the first Easter march held in Britain in 1958.
This year, marchers in Germany have also been demanding a more fundamental rejection of the logic of war and militarization.
Christians celebrate Easter at Church of the Holy Sepulcher in contested Jerusalem
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Conservatives shell longstanding White House Easter Egg contest
Several conservative outlets did not “yolk” around this weekend when covering the annual Easter celebrations, accusing the White House of banning religious themes from the annual children’s egg decorating contest — even though that guidance predated the Biden administration, according to the first lady’s office.
A flyer circulated by the adjutants general of the National Guard inviting children of National Guard members to submit Easter eggs to the White House contest is the source of the controversy, with outlets like Fox News and the Daily Caller writing stories saying the administration is banning religious themes in this year’s contest.
Indeed, this year’s flyer does say that the decorated Easter egg submissions “must not include any questionable content, religious symbols, overtly religious themes, or partisan political statements,”
But the White House and the American Egg Board have pushed back on the suggestion that the restrictions are new, saying that the rules banning religious symbols have been in place for years.
Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, a group that supports the White House Egg Roll, said in a statement, “The American Egg Board has been a supporter of the White House Easter Egg Roll for over 45 years and the guideline language referenced in recent news reports has consistently applied to the board since its founding, across administrations.”
Similarly, the White House emphasized that the guidelines banning religious themes from the eggs have been in place for decades and aren’t the result of a new Biden administration policy.
“The American Egg Board flyer’s standard non-discrimination language requesting artwork has been used for the last 45 years, across all Dem & Republican Admins—for all WH Easter Egg Rolls —incl previous Administration’s,” the first lady’s communications director, Elizabeth Alexander, said in a post on X.
And White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates said it was “unsurprising” that some “are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric.”
“President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit,” Bates added, noting that Biden’s “a Christian who celebrates Easter with family.”
The Biden administration has also been targeted this Easter holiday for a declaration recognizing Sunday as Transgender Day of Visibility.
President Joe Biden did indeed issue a proclamation acknowledging Transgender Day of Visibility — along with proclamations declaring 11 other holidays, including Cesar Chavez Day and Arab American Heritage Month.
March 31 has been the Transgender Day of Visibility every year since 2010, per GLAAD. This year, Easter falls on March 31.
King Charles greets spectators at Easter service, in first major public outing since his cancer diagnosis
King Charles III attended an Easter service on Sunday at Windsor Castle, marking his most noteworthy public appearance since being diagnosed last month with an undisclosed form of cancer.
The visit could be serving as a comforting precursor to the king’s eventual planned return to the public-facing duties from which he has been largely absent in the wake of his diagnosis and treatment.
The monarch offered a cheery wave to spectators as he walked into St. George’s Chapel for a service expected to last about an hour. A member of the public shouted “Happy Easter,” with Charles responding, “And to you.” He rejoined the crowd after the service ended, speaking to people who had gathered there and shaking their hands, the BBC, a CBS News parter network, reported.
Hollie Adams/Pool Photo via AP
Charles attended Sunday’s service along with Queen Camila and other members of the royal family. His siblings, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of York and Princess Anne were all in attendance, along with the Duchess of Edinburgh and their son James and Anne’s husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, according to the BBC.
Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife who was diagnosed with skin cancer earlier this year, was also in attendance.
But the service itself was smaller than usual. Catherine, Princess of Wales, known to the public as Kate Middleton, is also being treated for cancer and said in a viral video message announcing the news that she would be doing so privately. Princess Kate did not attend the Easter service, nor did her husband, William, Prince of Wales, or their three children.
The 75-year-old monarch’s appearance is seen as an effort to reassure the public after Charles stepped back from public duties in early February following an announcement by Buckingham Palace that he was undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.
The king has continued fulfilling his state duties, such as reviewing government papers and meeting with the prime minister. He was also seen attending a church service with Camilla in February, shortly after the cancer diagnosis was announced. But Charles’ attendance at a traditional royal event like the Easter service is seen as a sign that he is beginning a managed return to public life. British media reported last week that Charles would slowly increase his public appearances after Easter. He did not attend a pre-Easter service, which is another traditional event known as Maundy Thursday, with Camilla attending in his place.
Hollie Adams/Pool Photo via AP
That was originally the same date that Kensington Palace said Kate would return to the public eye after recovering from major abdominal surgery in January. Kate shock’s announcement that she, too, had cancer was made on March 22, after weeks of speculation about her health and whereabouts. The princess ended the video announcement by telling viewers that she would continue to take time and space to heal as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy.
Charles’ enforced absence from public life has been a setback for a man who is eager to put his stamp on the monarchy after waiting almost 74 years — longer than any previous heir — to become king.
When he succeeded his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles faced the daunting task of demonstrating that the 1,000-year-old monarchy remains relevant in a modern nation whose citizens come from all corners of the globe. After less than two years on the throne, the king is still defining himself with the public as he tries to persuade young people and members of minority communities that the royal family can represent them.
Although the duties of a constitutional monarch are largely ceremonial, the job of being a royal can be exhausting.
Besides the occasional procession in full royal regalia, there are meetings with political leaders, dedication ceremonies and events honoring the accomplishments of British citizens. That added up to 161 days of royal engagements during Charles’s first year on the throne.
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