In a stirring display of faith and resilience, Pope Francis addressed a large crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square for Easter Mass, his weakened appearance a poignant reminder of his recovery from a serious bout of pneumonia just weeks prior. Seated in a wheelchair on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Francis greeted the faithful with a warm, albeit raspy, "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter." His words were met with cheers and affectionate calls of "Viva il Papa," underscoring the deep connection between the pontiff and his congregation.
Following his greeting, Archbishop Diego Ravelli delivered the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" message, a papal address that conveys blessings to the city of Rome and the world. The pope, who spent five weeks hospitalized, was advised by doctors to maintain a low profile and avoid exposure to crowds during his recovery phase after his health scare.
Before blessing the gathered faithful, the pope had a brief meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, who is in Rome for the Easter weekend. Pope Francis's frailty has not diminished his commitment to addressing pressing global issues, reinforcing the message of hope that Easter embodies.
