Pope Francis made a surprise yet moving appearance on Easter Sunday at St. Peter’s Square, addressing thousands of Catholic faithful despite ongoing health challenges that have kept him away from most Holy Week events.
The 88-year-old pontiff appeared in a wheelchair on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he offered a gentle “Happy Easter” in a frail voice, drawing cheers from an estimated 35,000 worshippers gathered in the flower-adorned square.
Although he traditionally delivers the “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) blessing on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis delegated the task this year to a close collaborator, reflecting his ongoing recovery from a serious bout of pneumonia.
Health Struggles and Absences Mark Holy Week
The Vatican had not confirmed the pope’s participation ahead of the event, citing his delicate condition. Pope Francis was hospitalized for five weeks and only recently discharged on March 23. While his breathing has improved, his voice remains noticeably weak, and he has appeared publicly without oxygen assistance just twice in recent days.
This Easter marks the first time since becoming pope in 2013 that Francis has missed the majority of Holy Week services, including Good Friday’s Stations of the Cross and Saturday’s Easter Vigil. He did, however, make a brief appearance at the basilica on Saturday, offering prayers and greeting children with candy.
Strong Messages on Global Issues
In the address read on his behalf, Pope Francis denounced the rising wave of anti-Semitism and described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “deplorable.” The pope has consistently used his Easter message to spotlight global conflicts, humanitarian crises, and calls for peace.
Unannounced Meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance
Before the Easter celebration, Pope Francis held a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was in Rome with his family. According to a Vatican statement, the encounter was an exchange of Easter greetings and took place at the pope’s residence shortly before 11:30 a.m. local time.
The meeting came months after tensions flared between Pope Francis and the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump over immigration policy.
A Diverse Crowd and Pilgrim Hopes
Despite uncertainty about the pope’s attendance, thousands from around the world gathered in the Vatican. Cameroonian pilgrim Marie Manda, 59, expressed hope: “Even if he’s sick, we want to see him.” Indian tourist Rajesh Kumar, 40, admitted he hadn’t planned for Easter but was “ready for it” after discovering the celebration during his vacation.
The Easter Mass, celebrated by hundreds of cardinals, bishops, and priests, took on added significance this year due to the Jubilee — a Holy Year held once every 25 years that draws massive crowds to Rome.
Living Easter “As Best I Can”
When asked how he was experiencing Holy Week in his current state, Pope Francis responded simply: “I am living it as best I can.”
This year’s Easter is particularly special as it coincides across the Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christian calendars — a rare alignment that adds symbolic unity to the season of resurrection and renewal.
