VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis made a much-anticipated appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting thousands of worshippers in St. Peter’s Square after a challenging period of recovery from an infection that led to double pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff, still recuperating from his recent hospitalization, was seen waving from a wheelchair as he addressed the crowds, saying, “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”
His public appearance came after a month-long recovery period following his discharge from the hospital, where he had been treated for five weeks.
Doctors had initially recommended at least two months of rest, and although Pope Francis had made a few public outings earlier in the week, his presence at the Easter celebrations marked a significant milestone in his recovery.
While Pope Francis did not deliver his traditional Easter address, a clergy member read his message on his behalf, focusing on themes of peace, freedom, and respect for differing views.
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others,” the clergy member stated, as the Pope sat beside him, visibly frail but present.
Pope Francis’ doctors had previously revealed that he had experienced “two very critical episodes” during his hospitalization where his life was in danger, although he remained conscious and alert throughout his treatment.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of his medical team members, clarified that the Pope was never intubated during his illness, which allowed him to remain fully aware throughout the course of his treatment.
Despite his recovery, the Pope had to miss the majority of Holy Week events this year, including the Easter vigil on Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica, where cardinals stepped in to carry out his duties.
However, in a brief appearance inside the basilica, the Pope prayed and distributed sweets to children, marking a poignant gesture of warmth amid his ongoing health challenges.
Tens of thousands of Catholics have gathered in Rome to celebrate Easter Mass during this special jubilee year, a tradition that occurs every 25 years and draws millions of pilgrims to the city.
The jubilee year had already been marked by the Pope’s symbolic opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, a ritual believed to offer the remission of sins.
