Pope Francis made a significant appearance on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, as he addressed tens of thousands of believers gathered in St. Peter's Square. After weeks of recovery from a serious pneumonia, the 88-year-old pontiff delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, albeit with a noticeably weakened voice.
As he appeared from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, the crowd erupted in cheers, welcoming him with shouts of "Long live the Pope!" Despite his frail condition, Francis managed to convey heartfelt Easter wishes, stating, "Dear sisters and brothers, Happy Easter!" His voice, however, was fragile as he spoke, reflecting the toll that his recent health struggles have taken on him.
Initially, the Easter service proceeded without him, as he had transferred all liturgical duties to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the former Archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica. Comastri read the sermon prepared by the Pope before the large congregation, which was adorned with flowers—including daffodils and tulips donated from the Netherlands—creating a vibrant atmosphere for the sacred occasion.
The Pope's appearance marked his most significant public engagement since being discharged from the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he was treated for a life-threatening pneumonia that kept him hospitalized for 38 days. Doctors had indicated that he was close to death multiple times during his stay. Since his release four weeks ago, Francis has been advised to significantly reduce his workload to aid his recovery.
Despite his health challenges, Francis's desire to connect with the faithful remained evident. His Easter message, which addressed pressing global issues, was read aloud by an assistant while he sat silently in his wheelchair. In his message, he condemned anti-Semitism and called for peace in regions afflicted by conflict, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine. He expressed solidarity with the suffering Christians in Palestine and Israel, stating, "To the suffering Christians in Palestine and Israel, as well as to the entire Israeli and Palestinian people, I express my closeness."
Earlier that day, before the blessing, Pope Francis had a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican's Santa Marta guesthouse. This meeting, which lasted only a few minutes, was an opportunity for the two to exchange Easter greetings. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, had also met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin the day before.
The Pope's health has been a concern for many, particularly given the recent tensions between the Vatican and the U.S. regarding immigration policies. In his Easter message, Francis emphasized the need for compassion towards migrants, indirectly addressing the controversial stance of the U.S. administration. He criticized the disdain often shown toward migrants and urged for a return to hope and trust in humanity, especially towards those who are different or come from distant lands.
As the Easter Mass concluded, Cardinal Comastri led the congregation in prayer, reminding them to spread hope despite the evils present in the world. The Pope's absence from the earlier parts of the Easter celebration, including the Easter Vigil the night before, was a departure from tradition, as he has never missed the Easter celebrations since his papacy began in 2013.
This year's Easter held particular significance as the Catholic Church has declared 2025 a Holy Year, attracting an estimated one million visitors to Rome, including believers from around the globe. Francis's participation, albeit limited, underscored the importance of the occasion and the deep connection between the Pope and the faithful.
In a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, Francis's recent health issues echoed the final days of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, who delivered the Easter blessing one week before his death in 2005. Observers noted the similarities in their circumstances, highlighting the weight of the moment as Francis took to the balcony to bless the crowd.
As the Pope was wheeled back to his residence after the blessing, the cheers of the crowd lingered, a testament to the enduring bond between the pontiff and the Catholic community worldwide. Despite his physical limitations, Pope Francis remains a symbol of hope and resilience, embodying the spirit of Easter through his commitment to serving those in need.
In the days ahead, the Pope's health will continue to be closely monitored as he navigates his recovery while also addressing the pressing issues of our time. His message of peace and compassion resonates as he calls upon the faithful to unite in love and support for one another, especially in these challenging times.
