Pope Francis presided over Easter Mass on Sunday, amid increased anxiety over the 87-year-old pontiff's health.
In his usual Easter sermon, delivered in front of tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square, Francis condemned the crises in Europe and the Middle East, calling war a "absurdity."
According to the Vatican, Francis withdrew from Good Friday services at the last minute "to preserve his health" for the rest of the weekend's celebrations. The Pope had led Holy Week liturgies and, on Saturday, presided over the Easter Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica.
Papal watchers have been keeping a careful eye on the octogenarian's health since last year, when he underwent abdominal surgery and was hospitalized for bronchitis.
The Pope has been hospitalized for testing in recent weeks. He has also relied on his assistants to read several of his speeches while he was ill with colds, the flu, or bronchitis.
During his Sunday message, Francis renewed his appeal for a "immediate ceasefire" in the Israel-Hamas battle, as well as "access to humanitarian aid to Gaza" and the "prompt release of hostages."
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, the Pope suggested a "general exchange of prisoners" and asked world leaders to "strengthen the winds of war."