Pope delivers Easter blessing in first significant public appearance since illness

Pope Francis 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 appeared frail as he was wheeled out onto the balcony over the entrance of St Peter’s Basilica, before being driven in the Popemobile through the crowds of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square.

He was met with cheers, applause and chants of “Viva il Papa” – meaning long live the Pope – as he was wheeled out.

“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” Pope Francis managed to say on the balcony, before an aide read the rest of his annual Urbi et Orbi blessing and speech, which called for an end of the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

“May the risen Christ grant Ukraine, devastated by war, his Easter gift of peace, and encourage all parties involved to pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace,” the message said.

“In this Jubilee year, may Easter also be a fitting occasion for the liberation of prisoners of war and political prisoners!”

Crowds then stretched out their hands and filmed as the Pope was driven past in the adapted vehicle.

At one point, the Popemobile stopped in order for the pontiff to bless a number of babies and small children, appearing to also give them gifts.

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.

The Pope has only appeared in public a handful of times since returning to the Vatican on 23 March.

Leading up to Easter he skipped the solemn services of Good Friday and Holy Saturday, with many hoping he would appear on Sunday, which is one of the most important dates in the Catholic calendar.

Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St Peter’s Basilica, instead opened Sunday’s open-air mass in front of the large crowds.