Pope Francis, recovering from pneumonia, made a significant appearance during the Vatican's Easter celebrations. Despite his frail health, the 88-year-old pontiff addressed the crowd from a wheelchair, delivering his Easter blessing, 'Urbi et Orbi', to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square. Delegating the main mass duties to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Francis focused on advocating peace and compassion.
The pope emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, expressing concern for both Israelis and Palestinians. He condemned anti-Semitism and urged the release of hostages, highlighting global suffering and the importance of forgiveness and trust. His message resonated deeply with the audience, who responded with cheers of support.
In a private meeting, Pope Francis and U.S. Vice President JD Vance exchanged Easter greetings. The pope reiterated his stance on migration, rejecting any misinterpretation of Catholic teachings that justify restrictive immigration policies. This encounter underscored ongoing discussions on international conflicts and humanitarian issues, marking a poignant moment in the Vatican's Easter observance.
