Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Pope Francis Blesses Thousands in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday
VATICAN CITY – In his final Easter appearance as pontiff, Pope Francis was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Emerging from a period of recuperation, the Pope delivered an Easter blessing to the thousands present. Following the traditional blessing, Pope Francis surprised onlookers with a ride through the piazza in the popemobile, eliciting further applause and cheers from the assembled devotees and well-wishers.
“Viva il Papa”: Easter Greetings and Papal Appearance
The crowd enthusiastically chanted “Viva il Papa,” Italian for “long live the Pope,” as Francis journeyed around the square in the open-air vehicle. He paused intermittently to bestow blessings upon infants, a gesture warmly received by the families present. Addressing the multitude, Francis conveyed “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,” extending seasonal greetings just hours before his passing at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21.
Mass Delegation and Apostolic Blessing
Notably, Pope Francis did not preside over the Easter Mass within the piazza itself. Instead, he delegated this responsibility to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St Peter’s Basilica. However, after the conclusion of the Mass, Francis made a significant appearance from the loggia balcony overlooking the basilica entrance. From this vantage point, for over 20 minutes, he imparted the solemn apostolic blessing in Latin.
Large Crowds Gather in St. Peter’s Square
The Vatican estimated the assembled crowd to exceed 35,000 people. As the Pope appeared and began the blessing, the throng erupted in enthusiastic cheers, coinciding with a military band commencing renditions of the Holy See anthem.
Mourning the Loss of a Pontiff
Following this Easter appearance, many are now in mourning, reflecting upon the legacy of history’s first Latin American pontiff. Pope Francis’s widely recognized humility and deep concern for the impoverished and environmental issues resonated globally, earning him admiration from diverse populations.
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Meeting with US Vice President JD Vance
Prior to his arrival at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis held a brief meeting in his residence with US Vice President JD Vance. Mr. Vance was spending the Easter holiday in Rome with his family. According to the Vatican, the encounter was brief, lasting only a few minutes, and primarily intended as an opportunity for an exchange of Easter greetings.
Easter Gifts and Well Wishes
Pope Francis presented Vice President Vance with three large chocolate Easter eggs as gifts for his children. During the meeting, Mr. Vance acknowledged the Pope’s recent health concerns, stating, “I know you have not been feeling well, but it’s good to see you in better health. Thank you for seeing me.”
Recent Public Appearances and Health
The Easter Sunday appearance was among only a few public outings for the pontiff since his return to the Vatican following a 38-day hospitalization. He had been absent from the solemn Good Friday and Holy Saturday services leading up to Easter, making his planned appearance on Sunday particularly anticipated.
Recovery and Respiratory Therapy
Following a serious bout of double pneumonia, doctors had prescribed a two-month period of convalescence and respiratory therapy aimed at improving his lung function. Despite visibly expending considerable effort to project his voice, and with his breathing remaining labored before his death, his vocal strength appeared improved compared to his brief utterances from the loggia on Easter Sunday.
Focus on Marginalized Communities
Previously, Pope Francis’s most significant public engagement had been a visit to a Rome prison to observe Holy Thursday with inmates. This visit underscored his ongoing commitment to prioritizing engagement with individuals on the margins of society.
Earlier Public Appearance
Pope Francis made his initial public appearance after his pneumonia diagnosis on April 6. He appeared in St Peter’s Square in a wheelchair during a special Jubilee Mass dedicated to the sick and infirm.
Meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla
In another notable encounter, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the pontiff at the Vatican on April 9. This visit coincided with the 20th wedding anniversary of King Charles and Queen Camilla.