In a solemn Easter address delivered to tens of thousands of followers in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, Pope Francis called for a cease-fire in Gaza and drew attention to various conflicts, the threat of climate change, and the plight of migrants. The pontiff's Easter speech, known as an Urbi et Orbi, is one of the most important events on the papal calendar.

Surrounded by the grandeur of the Vatican and 35,000 beautiful blooms, Pope Francis appeared steady, albeit occasionally labored, as he spoke to the crowd. His participation in several Holy Week events had been reduced due to concerns about his health. However, following an Easter service marked by traditional pageantry, he appeared animated and jocular as he interacted with senior clerics while seated in his wheelchair.

In his speech from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis addressed two conflicts that have stirred controversy: Ukraine and Gaza. Without mentioning Hamas by name, he called for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid guarantees in Gaza, expressing concerns for the civil population and children caught in the violence. Moreover, he urged the release of Israeli hostages kidnapped by the group in October. The pope's comments about the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip in the past have drawn criticism from Israel.

Turning his attention to Ukraine, Pope Francis called for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine and an end to hostilities. He also expressed grief for the violence in Haiti, highlighted the plight of the Rohingya in Myanmar, and warned against returning ethnic tensions in the Western Balkans.

Although the pope's mobility has been restricted by knee pain and he underwent intestinal surgery last year, the Vatican has recently stated that his primary issue has been respiratory. He has faced recurring bouts of bronchitis and influenza, resulting in him handing over speeches to aides. Last month, he made an unannounced visit to a Rome hospital for diagnostic tests due to a flu.

Throughout Easter week, Pope Francis focused on women and humility, visiting a women's prison on Holy Thursday and washing the feet of female inmates. Speculation has arisen about the pope's potential retirement, parallel to his predecessor, Benedict XVI. However, in his recently published autobiography, he dismissed such rumors, stating that his condition would need to be extremely grave for him to consider stepping down.

Pope Francis's Easter speech served to remind the world of its numerous crises and called for peace, compassion, and unity in the face of adversity. As a moral compass and conscience for humanity, his words hold significant weight in these challenging times.