Overview

• Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in a wheelchair to deliver the 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square.
• The Pope spoke with a weak voice, offering a brief Easter greeting, while his full message was read by a Vatican official.
• Cardinal Angelo Comastri presided over the Easter Mass as the Pope continues to recover from a severe lung infection that required a 38-day hospital stay.
• Earlier in the day, Pope Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, marking one of his limited diplomatic engagements since his discharge.
• The Easter celebrations hold special significance this year as they coincide with the Catholic Church's 2025 Jubilee Year, drawing millions of pilgrims to Rome.