Pope Francis appeared from a balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday to bless the tens of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for Easter Mass. Although his voice was frail, it resonated with hope as he greeted the crowd with a heartfelt "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter." His appearance in a wheelchair served as a powerful reminder of his recent health struggles, having been discharged less than a month prior from the hospital after a life-threatening bout with pneumonia.
As the pope raised his hand in acknowledgment, a surge of applause echoed throughout the square, where attendees cheered, “Viva il Papa,” expressing their affection and support. After his greeting, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, acting as a Vatican aide, delivered the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" address—this message of peace and reflection serves as a staple during both Easter and Christmas celebrations.
Following the address, Pope Francis blessed the congregation, and yet the moment was tinged with a sense of his vulnerability, as it was advised by his doctors after his hospitalization to limit exposure to crowds and avoid high-risk environments. Despite his health, which led to a hospital stay of five weeks due to pneumonia and other complications, Francis demonstrated unwavering dedication to his role as a spiritual leader.
Earlier in the day, he had a brief meeting with Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting Rome for the Easter holiday. The pope's determination to be present at the Mass, despite medical advice for extended rest, underscores his commitment to promoting messages of hope and peace in these tumultuous times.
