Pope Francis delivers Easter blessing after battle with double pneumonia
20 April 2025, 11:50 | Updated: 20 April 2025, 12:07
Pope Francis has delivered a brief Easter blessing as crowds of worshipers gathered to celebrate at the Vatican.
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It marks the Pontiff’s first public appearance since he left hospital following a month-long battle with double pneumonia.
The Pope skipped the Vatican’s Easter Mass but was met with rapturous applause as he made an appearance after the service.
Francis, 88, was wheelchair bound as he continues to recover from his stay in hospital.
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Waving at the crowd, Pope Francis was met with cheers and applause from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica.
"Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!" he said.
His aide went on to read the rest of the Pontiff’s speech, which highlighted the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
“I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas,” the statement said.
“For all of us are children of God!”
Earlier this month, the Pope had a surprise visit with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Buckingham Palace posted the picture on the royal family’s official X, formerly Twitter, account with the words “Che occasione speciale!” – what a special occasion.
It went on to say: “A special moment for Their Majesties as they privately met His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican yesterday.
“The King and Queen were deeply touched by The Pope’s kind remarks about their 20th wedding anniversary and honoured to be able to share their best wishes to him in person.”
