Pope Francis has used his traditional Easter message to call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and for the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The 87-year-old pontiff led Easter Mass at the Vatican in front of thousands, despite concerns over his health.
Referring to conflicts around the world, the Pope pleaded not to “yield to the logic of weapons and rearming”.
“Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts,” he said.
Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square to hear the Pope.
Pope Francis also warned countries against re-arming themselves and spoke about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine just over two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbour.
Easter Sunday marks a major part of the Catholic calendar and is followed by 1.3 billion people around the globe.
