On April 20, 2025, Pope Francis blessed a massive crowd gathered outside St. Peter’s Basilica for Easter Mass, despite appearing frail and using a wheelchair. Only weeks after recovering from life-threatening pneumonia, the 87-year-old pontiff greeted the believers with a soft yet uplifting “Happy Easter.”
As the crowd erupted into cheers, a Vatican aide, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, delivered the annual “Urbi et Orbi” papal address, which focused on pressing global issues including conflict and support for peace. After the messages, Pope Francis blessed the faithful once more, showcasing the deep connection he shares with the attendees, who responded with chants of “Viva il Papa!”
Prior to his public appearance, the Pope met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting Rome for Easter. Doctors had advised him to take it slowly after his hospital stay, where he had been treated for five weeks. His health has sparked concern, but his appearance at the Mass offered a beacon of hope to many around the world.
