In an uplifting display of resilience, Pope Francis made a triumphant return to St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, greeting thousands of joyous followers in the sun-drenched piazza. This marked a significant moment in the 88-year-old Pontiff’s recovery journey following a severe episode of double pneumonia that nearly cost him his life.
Crowds erupted with shouts of “Viva il Papa!” and “Bravo!” as Pope Francis navigated the square in his iconic open-topped popemobile, a sight long missed during his health struggles. He delighted onlookers by pausing to bless babies, an activity he had not performed in weeks due to his health. “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” the Pope exclaimed, his voice noticeably stronger since his discharge from the hospital on March 23, after a lengthy stay.
During the Easter Mass, Cardinal Angelo Comastri, retired archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, officiated the ceremony, allowing Pope Francis to conserve his energy. Nevertheless, Francis engaged with the faithful, spending over 20 minutes on the basilica’s loggia balcony, offering the apostolic blessing in Latin. A military band played the Holy See anthem to an audience of more than 35,000, as estimated by the Vatican, igniting further applause.
Basking in the pleasant spring weather, with temperatures reaching 21 degrees Celsius (70 Fahrenheit), the piazza was beautifully adorned with daffodils, tulips, and other flowers donated by the Netherlands. Pilgrim Margarita Torres Hernandez from Mexico joyfully remarked, “It is excellent, a miracle…it’s something very big, very beautiful.”
In a brief yet cordial encounter, Pope Francis met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was in Rome celebrating Easter with his family. The Pope gifted Vance with three large chocolate Easter eggs for his children, emphasizing the ongoing Easter festivity. Vance expressed well wishes, saying, “I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health.”
The Pope’s recent public appearances have been scarce, given his serious health scare and the doctors’ directives of two months’ convalescence and respiratory therapy to boost his lung function. While his breathing remains labored and projecting his voice requires effort, Sunday’s appearance marked a hopeful sign of improved health. “It was a very touching moment for us,” pilgrim Marcin Popowsky from Poland shared with emotion. “We are very happy to see the Pope in good shape.”
Easter, a cornerstone of Christian celebration commemorating Christ’s resurrection, saw Catholics and Orthodox Christians united in festivity. In the spirit of hope and renewal, Pope Francis traditionally delivers the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the loggia, encompassing global concerns and a plea for peace. Archbishop Diego Ravelli read the Pope’s message calling for peace in conflict areas like Gaza, Ukraine, Congo, and Myanmar, urging compassion for migrants and the marginalized. The message encouraged embracing diversity and recognizing all as children of God.
Prior to Easter, Francis prioritizes reaching out to marginalized communities, as highlighted by his recent visit to Rome’s downtown prison for Holy Thursday. His interaction underscores the Pope’s commitment to serving those on society’s fringes as he continues his path to recovery.