Overview

• Pope Francis personally delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, greeting worshippers with 'Frohe Ostern' in Italian.
• The Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square was officiated by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, as the Pope continued to recover from his life-threatening lung infection.
• The Vatican had kept the Pope's participation in Easter celebrations undecided until the last moment, citing health and weather considerations.
• Earlier on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican before his public appearance.
• The 2025 Jubilee Holy Year heightened the significance of the Pope's symbolic presence during the Easter festivities, drawing millions of pilgrims to Rome.