Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting a crowd of more than 35,000 in St. Peter’s Square from his popemobile in what marked his most significant outing since recovering from a severe case of double pneumonia.
“Brothers and sisters, happy Easter!” the 88-year-old pope declared from the loggia balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Francis did not celebrate the Easter Mass—Cardinal Angelo Comastri. But he surprised the crowd by looping through the piazza, stopping to bless babies and waving to pilgrims amid cheers of “Viva il Papa!” and “Bravo!”
As tradition dictates, Francis delivered the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing—Latin for “to the city and the world”—from the basilica balcony. The blessing was accompanied by a message read aloud by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, where the pope called for peace in global conflict zones including Gaza, Ukraine, Congo, and Myanmar.
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“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 message said, referring to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He also urged compassion for migrants and the marginalized: “On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves… For all of us are children of God.”
Easter meeting with US Vice President JD Vance
Earlier that morning, Francis met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance and his family at his Vatican residence. The meeting, described by the Vatican as a short Easter greeting, included a warm gesture from the pope, who gave Vance three large chocolate Easter eggs for his children.
“I know you have not been feeling great but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told Francis, as reported by AP.
Vance, a devout Catholic, also met with top Vatican officials on Saturday. According to CNN, the discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin included topics such as persecuted Christian communities, immigration, and shared concerns over global peace. The Vatican acknowledged that the conversations touched upon differing views on migration and prisoner rights.
Also Read: | Pope Francis makes first public appearance at Vatican after hospital stay
Pontiff’s health still fragile
Despite ongoing breathing difficulties and doctors’ recommendations to avoid large crowds during his two-month convalescence, Francis has slowly resumed public engagements. His Easter outing followed brief appearances over the weekend, including a Holy Thursday visit to a Rome prison.
He has been undergoing respiratory therapy and is gradually regaining his strength. On Sunday, he appeared without a nasal cannula and, although his voice remained soft, it was clear and steady as he greeted the crowds.
(With inputs from AP and CNN)
