Pope Francis: My Eyes Are Turned to Lebanon Affected by Institutional Paralysis

In his Easter Mass from St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, Pope Francis stated, "My gaze is particularly directed toward Lebanon, which is affected by institutional paralysis and economic and social conditions that have worsened due to hostilities on the border with Israel. We pray that it may be a land of encounter, coexistence, and pluralism." Pope Francis called for "the assurance of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza and urged once again for the immediate release of the hostages taken on October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the sector." He added, "How much suffering we see in the eyes of children. These children have forgotten how to smile in those war-torn lands. With their gazes, they ask us: why? Why all this death... why all this destruction? Wars are nothing but futility and defeat."