Italy began stepping up security after the deadly March 22 attack on a Moscow theater that killed at least 140 people. The Islamic jihadist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.
VATICAN CITY — An ailing Pope Francis delivered a short but spirited Easter message Sunday, renewing his calls for peace in Ukraine and Israel while seeking to assuage fears about his health.
The 87-year-old Francis skipped some of key Holy Week celebrations to rest up for Easter Mass, including the traditional Good Friday procession. He also cancelled plans to preside over the Palm Sunday Mass a week ago.
But the pontiff did speak briefly at Saturday’s Easter Vigil, though his voice was congested and he stopped a few times to catch his breath. The pope has suffered from repeated health scares.
There was tighter-than-usual security in St. Peter’s Square Sunday, as well as during other Holy Week events. Italy said there were at least 600 police officers — some in plain clothes, mixed in with the crowd — with sharpshooters positioned at key vantage points. A police helicopter also circled overhead before the mass began.
Francis condemned the Moscow attack as “cowardly” and on Sunday he renewed his contentious calls for a negotiated peace settlement in the two-year-old war between Russia and Ukraine. The pope also said there should be a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, and that Israeli hostages should be released and humanitarian aid allowed to enter Gaza.
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