Pope Francis made a triumphant return to public life on Easter Sunday, blessing thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and thrilling the faithful with a surprise ride through the piazza in his popemobile — a rare outing since his recent life-threatening illness.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who had been convalescing after a dangerous bout of double pneumonia, appeared visibly improved, smiling and waving as crowds erupted in cheers. “Viva il Papa!” (Long live the Pope) and “Bravo!” echoed through the square as he stopped to bless babies and greet pilgrims from around the world.
“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” the Pope declared, his voice notably stronger since his release from the hospital on March 23 following a five-week stay. Although he did not lead the Easter Mass, delegating that role to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Pope Francis appeared on the loggia balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to impart the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing — “to the city and the world.”
The Vatican estimated that over 35,000 people gathered for the occasion, basking in the 21°C spring sunshine amid vibrant floral displays donated by the Netherlands.
Pilgrims expressed joy and awe at the Pope’s recovery. “It is excellent, a miracle,” said Margarita Torres Hernandez, visiting from Mexico. “Now that he has come out, for me it’s a miracle, it’s something very big, very beautiful.”
During his procession to the basilica, the Pope had a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was in Rome with his family. Francis gifted him three large chocolate Easter eggs for Vance’s children. “It’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told the Pope.
Though still visibly frail and laboring in his breathing, Pope Francis’ appearance marked a significant milestone in his recovery. Doctors have advised two months of rest and respiratory therapy.
His last major public outing was on Holy Thursday when he visited a downtown Rome prison to spend time with inmates — an act consistent with his long-standing mission to uplift the marginalized.
In his Urbi et Orbi message, read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Pope Francis issued heartfelt appeals for peace in global conflict zones including Gaza, Ukraine, Congo, and Myanmar. He also emphasized 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,” the Pope’s message said, “including those who are different than ourselves… For all of us are children of God.”
Easter, the holiest day on the Christian calendar, was this year celebrated jointly by Catholic and Orthodox Christians. The shared observance came as Russia announced a temporary Easter truce in its ongoing war in Ukraine.
As the Pope continues his recovery, Sunday’s events offered a powerful reminder of his enduring presence and the hope he continues to inspire around the world.
Sources By Agencies
