Pope delivers Easter blessing in first significant public appearance since illness

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Pope Francis has made a brief appearance to bless crowds gathered to celebrate Easter Sunday at the Vatican.

It is his first significant public appearance since he left hospital, where he was treated for double pneumonia.

The 88-year-old pontiff was in a wheelchair and looked frail, but managed to wave at the gathered faithful.

Pope Francis speaks from a balcony, on the day of the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) message at St. Peter's Square, on Easter Sunday, in the Vatican, April 20, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi

He was met with cheers and applause as he was wheeled out onto the balcony over St Peter's Basilica.

"Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!" he said, before an aide read the rest of his speech, which called for an end to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

The faithful gather in St. Peter's Square during the Easter Sunday Mass, at the Vatican, April 20, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi

Members of the clergy gather in St. Peter's Square on the day of the Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican, April 20, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi

Before the public appearance, the Pope also "exchanged good wishes" with US vice president JD Vance during a private audience at the Vatican.

Mr Vance, who is in Rome with his family, also met with Pope Francis on Saturday, where the Vatican said there had been "an exchange of opinions" over international conflicts, migrants and prisoners.

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