On this Easter Sunday, Pope Francis greeted tens of thousands of attendees from a wheelchair at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Though his voice was weak and raspy, it didn't dampen the spirits of the crowd who erupted into cheers upon his arrival. "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter," were his heartfelt words, soon followed by a papal address delivered by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, focusing on current global conflicts.
The pontiff's blessing was met with enthusiastic chants of “Viva il Papa,” signaling the affection and support from the gathered faithful. Earlier in the day, the Pope had a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting Rome for the holiday.
Less than a month ago, Francis was discharged from the hospital after battling severe pneumonia, which nearly claimed his life during a five-week hospitalization. His doctors have advised him to take substantial rest and avoid crowds as he continues to recover fully.
In a moment that mixed celebration with concern, the Pope's ability to address the faithful amid health challenges underscores the ongoing complexities of his papacy, characterized by navigating both personal vulnerabilities and the broader struggles facing humanity.
The pontiff's blessing was met with enthusiastic chants of “Viva il Papa,” signaling the affection and support from the gathered faithful. Earlier in the day, the Pope had a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting Rome for the holiday.
Less than a month ago, Francis was discharged from the hospital after battling severe pneumonia, which nearly claimed his life during a five-week hospitalization. His doctors have advised him to take substantial rest and avoid crowds as he continues to recover fully.
In a moment that mixed celebration with concern, the Pope's ability to address the faithful amid health challenges underscores the ongoing complexities of his papacy, characterized by navigating both personal vulnerabilities and the broader struggles facing humanity.
