Pope Francis delivered his traditional Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and to the World”) Easter blessing on Sunday from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking his most high-profile appearance since being discharged from hospital after a life-threatening battle with double pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff, whose health struggles have left him with respiratory difficulties and a weakened voice, did not preside over the main Holy Week and Easter services but made several symbolic appearances over the Easter weekend.
These included a visit to a Rome prison on Holy Thursday and a stop at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday night.
On Easter Sunday, despite a frail voice and limited mobility, Francis appeared without the nasal cannula he has been using for oxygen.
He offered the Easter blessing to the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and millions watching around the world, imparting the special papal indulgence that accompanies the Urbi et Orbi.
The Vatican confirmed that before the blessing, the Pope met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance to exchange Easter greetings.
In his Easter message, Francis made a heartfelt appeal for peace, focusing particularly on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“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,” he said, condemning the “dramatic and deplorable” humanitarian crisis in the region.
Doctors have advised the pontiff to limit his public engagements over re the next two months, but he continues to demonstrate a strong will to fulfill his pastoral duties.
