Pope Francis made an appearance at St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, marking his most significant public engagement since being discharged from the hospital. However, due to his ongoing recovery from double pneumonia, Cardinal Angelo Comastri presided over the Easter Mass in front of tens of thousands of Catholic Church followers. The 88-year-old pontiff, who spent 38 days in the hospital and nearly faced death, continues to recover, experiencing respiratory difficulties and undergoing physiotherapy to regain his voice. Despite these challenges, Pope Francis delivered the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, offering a remission for the effect of sins, while an aide read his address. He greeted the cheering crowds from the popemobile, marking his first time using it since hospitalization.

In his Easter message, delivered by a Vatican archbishop, Pope Francis addressed pressing global issues. He lamented the "death and destruction" in Gaza, appealing for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and aid for the suffering population. He also voiced concerns about the growing climate of antisemitism worldwide. Furthermore, the Pope emphasized the importance of religious freedom, freedom of thought, and respect for diverse views as essential foundations for peace.

Prior to the Easter blessing, Pope Francis held a brief private meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019. According to the Vatican, the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange Easter greetings. Vance also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, on Saturday. These discussions followed previous tensions between Francis and the Trump administration over immigration policies. During the meetings, topics such as migrants, refugees, persecuted Christian communities, prisoners, and the pursuit of world peace were discussed.

Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis has shown a determination to resume his duties, making surprise appearances and adhering to a recovery plan that includes avoiding large crowds. His recent activities include a visit to a prison in Rome and an appearance at St. Peter's Basilica. The Easter festival this year holds special significance as the Catholic Church has declared 2025 a Jubilee or holy year, anticipating a million pilgrims in Rome. The Pope had delegated duties to cardinals for Holy Week events, including the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum, the Easter vigil at Saint Peter's Basilica, and the foot-washing ritual on Thursday.