Pope Francis made a public appearance in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, weeks after surviving a serious bout of pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff waved from the back of his open-air popemobile, delighting tens of thousands of worshippers gathered for the Vatican’s Easter celebrations.
Supporters cheered “Viva il Papa!” as the pope toured the square, which was adorned with colourful floral displays. At several stops, aides handed babies to the pope for a blessing. Though clearly weakened, Francis offered gentle gestures and smiles throughout.
While he did not preside over the Easter Mass, Francis appeared afterward to deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing. The message was read by an aide while the pope observed from the main balcony.
In his address, Francis issued a passionate plea for peace 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,” the message said.
He described the situation in Gaza as “dramatic and deplorable,” reiterating earlier calls for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access. The pope also condemned rising antisemitism and urged Hamas to release all remaining hostages.
Earlier in the day, Pope Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican to exchange Easter greetings. The Vatican said the encounter lasted only a few minutes.
The pope’s return marks a hopeful turn in his recovery following a five-week hospitalisation earlier this year.
