Pope Francis made a surprise appearance on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on April 20, 2025, wishing "joyeuses Pâques" to the thousands of faithful gathered below. The 88-year-old pontiff, whose attendance was uncertain due to ongoing health issues, appeared in a wheelchair shortly after noon, marking a significant moment during the most important celebration in the Christian calendar.
Despite still recovering from a severe pneumonia, Pope Francis did not display any visible respiratory assistance, a notable change from his previous public outings where he had used oxygen cannulas. His presence was met with cheers from the crowd, reflecting the deep connection he maintains with Catholics around the world.
However, due to his weakened condition, Pope Francis delegated the reading of his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing to a collaborator. In his message, he addressed the "dramatic and ignoble humanitarian situation" in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. He also warned of the "growing climate of anti-Semitism spreading throughout the world" and urged political leaders to ensure that peace cannot exist without religious freedom and freedom of thought and expression.
Earlier that day, the Pope had a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Sainte-Marthe residence in the Vatican. This meeting came just two months after the Pope's public criticisms of the Trump administration's immigration policy, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Vatican and the U.S. government.
Thousands of Catholics had gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Easter Mass, which began at 8:30 a.m. local time, celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Comastri. The square was adorned with thousands of flowers from the Netherlands, creating a festive atmosphere. Organizers anticipated an even larger crowd than usual due to the upcoming Jubilee 2025, which is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to the Eternal City.
This year marked a significant departure for Pope Francis, as he missed most of the key events of Holy Week for the first time since his election in 2013. He had delegated the presidency of the Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum and the Easter vigil liturgy on Saturday night to other cardinals. However, he did make a brief appearance on Saturday afternoon at St. Peter's Basilica, where he prayed before an icon of the Virgin Mary, greeted the faithful, and distributed sweets to children.
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Pope Francis expressed to reporters how he was experiencing Easter this year, stating, "I live it as best as I can." His health has been a concern after a prolonged hospitalization of thirty-eight days, from which he was discharged on March 23. Despite these challenges, the Pope remains a central figure for Catholics, continuing to inspire hope and faith.
Following the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, Pope Francis surprised the crowd with a brief ride in his popemobile, engaging with the faithful for nearly fifteen minutes. He blessed infants and waved to the congregation, further solidifying his bond with the people.
As the world celebrates Easter, this year is particularly poignant as Christians across the globe are observing the holiday on the same day due to the alignment of the Gregorian and Julian calendars. This convergence highlights the unity of the Christian faith, even amid challenges and divisions.
The Pope’s message resonated deeply with many, as he called for compassion and understanding in a world fraught with conflict. "Faced with the cruelty of conflicts that involve defenseless civilians, we cannot allow ourselves to forget that it is not targets that are affected, but people with a soul and dignity," he emphasized during his address.
In summary, Pope Francis's Easter appearance was a testament to his resilience and commitment to his role as a spiritual leader, despite the physical challenges he faces. His calls for peace and unity are more crucial than ever, as the world grapples with ongoing humanitarian crises and rising tensions.
As the celebrations continue, the Pope's message of hope and his presence among the faithful serve as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and community, especially during times of hardship.
