Pope Francis made a triumphant return to public life on Easter Sunday, thrilling thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Just weeks after battling a serious case of double pneumonia, the 88-year-old pope greeted the crowd from his popemobile, receiving cheers and applause as he rode through the piazza.
“Viva il Papa!” and “Bravo!” echoed from the crowd as Francis waved and blessed babies brought to him. His appearance was a heartwarming moment for many, especially after his recent health struggles. Just a few weeks prior, he had been hospitalized for five weeks, and his recovery was uncertain.
As he addressed the crowd, Francis expressed his joy, saying, “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” His voice, while still requiring effort, sounded stronger than it had in recent weeks. Although he did not lead the Easter Mass, which was officiated by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, he later appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for over 20 minutes to deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, a message meant for the city and the world.
The Vatican estimated that over 35,000 people gathered to witness this special moment. The atmosphere was festive, with a military band playing the Holy See anthem, and the square adorned with vibrant flowers donated by the Netherlands.
Francis’s recovery has been remarkable. Doctors had advised him to take two months for rest and respiratory therapy. His recent public appearances have been limited, making this Easter celebration particularly significant for both him and the crowd. Many pilgrims, like Margarita Torres Hernandez from Mexico, described seeing the pope as a miracle, expressing their joy and relief at his improved health.
In a brief but notable meeting, Pope Francis also exchanged Easter greetings with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, who was visiting Rome with his family. The pope gifted Vance three large chocolate Easter eggs for his children, a gesture that added a personal touch to their encounter.
Easter is a time of joy for Christians, celebrating the resurrection of Christ. This year, it coincided with a temporary truce in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, adding a layer of hope to the celebrations. In his message, read by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Francis called for peace in various global hotspots, including Gaza and Ukraine, and highlighted the plight of migrants and the vulnerable.
Before this Easter Sunday, Francis had made a notable visit to a prison in Rome on Holy Thursday, showcasing his commitment to those on the margins of society as he continues to recover. His return to public life not only brings joy to his followers but also signals hope and resilience amidst challenging times.