Pope Francis made a public return on Easter Sunday, greeting tens of thousands of worshipers from the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square for the first time since his recovery from double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, though still limiting his schedule on doctors’ orders, delivered a powerful Easter message calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of captives, and global action against 'rising antisemitism'.

Appearing in an open-air popemobile after surviving a five-week hospital stay, Pope Francis waved gently to cheering crowds who filled the square, many waving national flags and chanting "viva il papa!" (long live the pope). The popemobile paused at several points around the flower-filled square, allowing papal aides to bring forward babies for the pontiff’s blessing.

Although he did not preside over the full Vatican Easter Mass due to health limitations, Pope Francis appeared at the conclusion of the service to deliver the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, a message "to the city and the world."

Pope calls for ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza

In a statement read aloud by an aide, the Pope’s Easter message described the situation in Gaza as “dramatic and deplorable.” He urged all warring parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire.

“I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages, and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace,” the statement read.

Francis also expressed “closeness to the sufferings of all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people,” while warning of what he described as a “worrisome” global trend of antisemitism.

Earlier in the day, Pope Francis held a brief meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, who was in Italy over the weekend. The Vatican described the encounter as short, lasting only a few minutes, and focused on exchanging Easter greetings.

Despite his recent health setback, Pope Francis used Easter Sunday, one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar, to emphasize the need for compassion, peace, and global unity. 

This comes as Gaza health officials reported earlier today that 44 people were killed and 145 injured in the past 24 hours amid ongoing Israeli strikes, bringing the death toll since October 7, 2023, to over 51,200.