<\/p>\n
POPE<\/strong> Francis decried the numerous conflicts plaguing the planet and appealed to world leaders \u201cnot to yield to the logic of fear\u201d in his Easter message \u201curbi et orbi\u201d (to the city and to the world) on Sunday.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The pope\u2019s traditional blessing, \u201curbi et orbi,\u201d was read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, as the 88-year-old pontiff, still convalescing, was present but physically limited.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Francis, who arrived at the central loggia of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica in a wheelchair, greeted the faithful with a brief \u201cBrothers and Sisters, Happy Easter\u201d before asking Archbishop Ravelli to read the message on his behalf.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear, which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development,\u201d the message stated.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Earlier in the morning, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Pope Francis held a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Casa Santa Marta, according to the Holy See Press Office.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The meeting, which lasted only a few minutes, provided an opportunity for the two to exchange Easter greetings.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Vice President Vance met Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Saturday regarding international relations, religious freedom, and humanitarian concerns.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The pope\u2019s Easter address \u2014 delivered amid a confluence of global conflicts \u2014 focused particularly on war-torn regions, including Ukraine, the Holy Land, Myanmar, and various parts of Africa.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Regarding Gaza, where \u201cthe terrible conflict continues to generate death and destruction and to create a dramatic and deplorable humanitarian situation,\u201d Francis called for concrete action: \u201cI appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Holy Father also lamented the \u201cgrowing climate of anti-Semitism throughout the world\u201d while expressing closeness to \u201cthe sufferings of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and to all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The pope\u2019s message emphasized that \u201cthere can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others.\u201d He added that peace is also impossible without \u201ctrue disarmament,\u201d warning against the \u201crace to rearmament\u201d that threatens global stability.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reflecting on the spiritual significance of Easter, Francis reminded the faithful that Christ\u2019s resurrection represents \u201cthe basis of our hope\u201d and that \u201chope does not disappoint!\u201d He characterized this hope not as \u201can evasion, but a challenge\u201d that \u201cdoes not delude, but empowers us.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The message \u201curbi et orbi\u201d concluded with the pontiff\u2019s customary invocation for a peaceful world: \u201cLet us entrust ourselves to him, for he alone can make all things new.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n This year\u2019s Easter celebration held particular significance as it coincided with this year\u2019s 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and was celebrated on the same day by Catholics and Orthodox Christians following the Julian calendar.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n After the blessing, Pope Francis greeted jubilant pilgrims from the popemobile, to shouts of joy from the crowd. It was the first time the pontiff used the popemobile to visit the square since his hospitalization. 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