Three protesters disrupted Easter Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York with "free Palestine" chants before being hauled away by police. The protesters, associated with Extinction Rebellion NYC’s Palestinian Solidarity group, were charged with disruption of religious service. The disruption occurred following a pro-Palestinian march in Times Square, and some attendees felt the demonstration lacked respect for the church. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a call for prayer and peace in the Middle East amid the Israel-Hamas war.
Ailing Pope Francis, who recently canceled a Good Friday procession due to health reasons, called for an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict and urged for humanitarian aid access to Gaza. He also appealed for a Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap as the war between the countries continues. The 87-year-old Pontiff looked frail as he presided over Easter Mass, raising concerns about his health and ability to continue leading the Catholic Church. Despite recent cancellations and signs of fatigue, the Vatican has stated that there is no particular concern about his health, and Francis has expressed in a memoir that he does not currently have any serious cause to consider resigning.
Pope Francis led Easter Mass in St Peter's Square, Vatican City, after recovering from a bout of bronchitis that led to a hospital stay. Despite concerns about his health, he appeared untroubled during the 75-minute long Mass and greeted cardinals in his wheelchair afterwards. He also delivered his "Urbi and Orbi" blessing, praying for peace in Jerusalem and Ukraine. The Pope successfully fulfilled his commitments for Holy Week, despite missing the Via Crucis ceremony on Good Friday.
