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Political aide to the governor of Gilan Province in northern Iran: Air defenses in Rasht shot down a small hostile drone flying over the city
Israeli media: The presence of General Qaani at the “victory celebrations” in Tehran puts an end to the rumors and earlier reports claiming he had been assassinated
Israeli media: There is division within the US administration itself over the extent of what the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities actually achieved
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Early US intel assessment suggests strikes on Iran did not destroy nuclear sites, CNN reports, citing sources
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Pezeshkian: History will not forget how Iran’s enemies broke their pledges and agreements, resorting to aggression and invasion even during negotiations
Israeli media: Between 14 and 16 soldiers were injured in the incident, which reportedly involved two separate units at the brigade and division level

Pope Francis calls for Gaza ceasefire in Easter message amid recovery

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 20 Apr 2025 15:13
3 Min Read

Pope Francis, still recovering from pneumonia, greeted Easter crowds from the popemobile.

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  • Pope Francis calls for Gaza ceasefire in Easter message amid recovery
    Pope Francis appears on the central lodge of St. Peter's Basilica to bestow the Urbi et Orbi (Latin for to the city and the world) blessing at the end of the Easter mass presided over by Cardinal Angelo Comastri in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, April 20, 2025. (AP)

Pope Francis made a public return on Easter Sunday, greeting tens of thousands of worshipers from the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square for the first time since his recovery from double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, though still limiting his schedule on doctors’ orders, delivered a powerful Easter message calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of captives, and global action against 'rising antisemitism'.

Appearing in an open-air popemobile after surviving a five-week hospital stay, Pope Francis waved gently to cheering crowds who filled the square, many waving national flags and chanting "viva il papa!" (long live the pope). The popemobile paused at several points around the flower-filled square, allowing papal aides to bring forward babies for the pontiff’s blessing.

Although he did not preside over the full Vatican Easter Mass due to health limitations, Pope Francis appeared at the conclusion of the service to deliver the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, a message "to the city and the world."

Pope calls for ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza

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In a statement read aloud by an aide, the Pope’s Easter message described the situation in Gaza as “dramatic and deplorable.” He urged all warring parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire.

“I 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,” the statement read.

Francis also expressed “closeness to the sufferings of all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people,” while warning of what he described as a “worrisome” global trend of antisemitism.

Earlier in the day, Pope Francis held a brief meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, who was in Italy over the weekend. The Vatican described the encounter as short, lasting only a few minutes, and focused on exchanging Easter greetings.

Despite his recent health setback, Pope Francis used Easter Sunday, one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar, to emphasize the need for compassion, peace, and global unity. 

This comes as Gaza health officials reported earlier today that 44 people were killed and 145 injured in the past 24 hours amid ongoing Israeli strikes, bringing the death toll since October 7, 2023, to over 51,200.

  • Easter
  • war on Gaza
  • Gaza genocide
  • Israeli occupation
  • Pope Francis
  • Gaza ceasefire

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