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Pope Francis calls for peace in Ukraine in Easter message

Pope Francis calls for peace in Ukraine in Easter message

Pope Francis included a reference to the war in Ukraine when he made a brief appearance to bless crowds gathered to celebrate Easter Sunday at the Vatican.

It was the 88-year-old pope's first major public appearance since leaving hospital, where he was treated for double pneumonia.

"Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!" Pope Francis managed to say, before an aide read the rest of his annual Urbi et Orbi blessing and address, which called for an end to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

"May the risen Christ grant war-torn Ukraine his Easter gift of peace and encourage all parties involved to pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace," the message reads.

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