Pope Delivers Easter Greetings to Joyful Vatican Crowd After Brief Meeting with Vance
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Pope Francis Delivers Easter Blessing After Meeting with VP JD Vance
Pope Francis delivered his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” Easter blessing on Sunday from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, appearing before joyful crowds in his most high-profile public moment since his recent hospitalization.
The 88-year-old pontiff, still recovering from a life-threatening bout of double pneumonia and ongoing respiratory challenges, did not lead Holy Week or Easter services but made several brief appearances over the weekend. On Thursday, he visited a Rome prison, and on Saturday, he stopped by St. Peter’s Basilica.
Although unable to speak at length, Francis offered the Easter greeting “Brothers and Sisters, Happy Easter” in a frail voice without the nasal cannula he’s been using for oxygen. An aide read the full Easter address, which included his appeal for global peace and a call for a ceasefire in Gaza to assist civilians.
Earlier that day, the Pope held a private meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a devout Catholic. The Vatican said the brief encounter allowed for an exchange of Easter greetings. On Saturday, Vance also met with senior Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, amid lingering tensions over Pope Francis’ criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
According to the Vatican, discussions touched on issues concerning migrants, refugees, and prisoners. A statement from Vance’s office said the talks focused on shared faith, the situation of persecuted Christian communities, and President Trump’s commitment to global peace.
Since being discharged from the hospital last month, Pope Francis has resumed limited duties with his doctors advising he avoid large crowds during recovery. On Easter Sunday, he also greeted worshippers from the popemobile for the first time since his illness.
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