"I appeal to the warring parties: Call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace," the Pope's Easter message said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral Easter ceasefire in Ukraine, ordering his forces to end hostilities on Saturday until the end of Sunday.
A Ukrainian official said on Saturday that Russian forces were continuing to open fire on Ukrainian positions despite Putin's proclamation of an Easter ceasefire.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who is limiting his public appearances on doctors' orders, skipped an outdoor ceremony for Good Friday, the day Christians mark Jesus' crucifixion.
Members of the Church believe that the act is also symbolic of selflessness and compassion, commemorating the Last Supper.
Churches abide by different calendars, hence the holidays fall on different days most years.
Despite a decrease in tourists and tempered celebrations, Christians gathered at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem's Old City for prayer and commemoration.
The majority of Ukraine's 41 million people are Orthodox Christians who celebrate Easter a week from now.
The Jerusalem District of Israel Police have completed their preparations for the Passover and Easter holidays.
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