Overview
- Pope Francis made a full public return on Easter Sunday, riding his popemobile and blessing a crowd of 35,000 in St. Peter’s Square.
- The 88-year-old pontiff delegated Easter Mass duties to Cardinal Angelo Comastri but personally delivered the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the basilica balcony.
- Easter 2025 saw a rare convergence of Catholic and Orthodox calendars, emphasizing ecumenical unity in global celebrations.
- Russia announced a temporary cease-fire in Ukraine for Easter, allowing observances in conflict-affected areas like Kharkiv.
- Easter festivities spanned the globe, from candlelight blessings in Ukraine to vibrant processions in Nairobi and New York’s Easter Parade.