During Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Pope Francis made a fleeting but warm visit to St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, delivering a simple yet impactful message: “Happy Easter.” The 88-year-old pope, who had been recuperating from a life-threatening infection that turned into double pneumonia, made an appearance on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in a wheelchair and greeted tens of thousands of jubilant worshippers below.
First Public Appearance of Pope Francis Since being Hospitalized
This was one of Pope Francis’s first public appearances since being released from the hospital last month following a 38-day hospitalization. Physicians had advised at least two months’ rest at his residence because of his frail health. In spite of the advice from physicians and recovering, the Pope decided to go out to welcome the faithful and impart the customary “Urbi et Orbi” blessing in a symbolic show of hope and strength.
Pope Francis Meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance
Even as he assigned senior cardinals the task of celebrating Easter Mass, the presence of the Pope was sufficient to emote the pilgrims who had assembled from all parts of the world for the festive occasion. His Easter message was read on his behalf by an aide, while he remained seated in quiet contemplation, personifying humility and tenacity.
Earlier in the day, Pope Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in private, exchanging Easter wishes. The meeting was friendly and centered on the importance of the holy day, though they have historically disagreed publicly about social issues.
Easter Celebrations Coincide with Jubilee Year
This Easter celebrations this year were all the more meaningful, as they coincided with the Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church, a celebration every 25 years. The Holy Year had been opened by the Pope, when he opened the Holy Door, traditionally sealed at St. Peter’s Basilica, on December 24, 2024. An act that Catholics believe to wash their sins away, by passing through the Holy Door. Over 1.3 million pilgrims have passed through the door since it was opened.
In spite of health issues, Pope Francis’s presence even in a limited role provided spiritual solace and a sense of continuity to the faithful, a poignant moment in this holy season of renewal and reflection.
