Vatican City: Pope Francis made a symbolic return to St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, riding in an open-air popemobile for the first time since surviving a serious bout of double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, looking visibly more frail but resolute, waved to tens of thousands of Catholics gathered under the Roman sun for Easter Mass celebrations.
Seated in a raised chair at the rear of the iconic white vehicle, Francis was met with cheers and chants of “Viva il Papa!” as he circled the square, which was adorned with a lavish display of spring flowers. Many in the crowd held up national flags, eager for a glimpse of the pope. The popemobile stopped several times so papal aides could bring forward infants and children for his blessing. Though he appeared to limit his physical exertion, Francis extended his arms and offered gentle gestures of greeting.
Pope Francis, recovering from double pneumonia, briefly appeared on the balcony overlooking Saint Peter's Square on Easter to deliver a blessing and to repeat his calls for a ceasefire in Gaza https://t.co/LGa2qFXDd3 pic.twitter.com/iRcThXuRmX
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On doctors’ advice, Pope Francis has significantly reduced his public engagements. He did not lead the Vatican’s Easter Mass but appeared afterward for the traditional Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”) blessing and message. The address was delivered from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica by a Vatican aide, as the pope looked on.
In the message, Francis renewed his urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, denouncing the continued violence and worsening humanitarian situation. He described the conditions in the Palestinian enclave as “dramatic and deplorable” and appealed for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The pontiff also condemned what he described as a growing wave of antisemitism around the world.
“I express my closeness to the sufferings … of all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people,” the message said.
“I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”
Francis has been increasingly vocal about the Gaza conflict, particularly following his five-week hospitalization earlier this year. In January, he described Israel’s military actions as contributing to a “very serious and shameful” humanitarian crisis.
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Tensions remain high in the region. Hamas recently rejected a proposed temporary ceasefire from Israel, insisting on a comprehensive deal to end the war in exchange for the remaining hostages. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had instructed the military to intensify operations against Hamas.
The conflict, which began after the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli figures. Since then, more than 51,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Israel’s military campaign, with over 1,600 deaths in Gaza in the past month alone.
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Meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance
Earlier on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis also met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican. The meeting was described by the Vatican as brief, “lasting a few minutes”, and focused solely on the exchange of Easter greetings.
