Pope Francis makes brief Easter appearance, calls for ceasefire in Gaza

Pope Francis made a public return on Easter Sunday, greeting tens of thousands from the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square after recovering from double pneumonia. Though still on a limited schedule, the 88-year-old pontiff delivered a powerful Easter message, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of captives, and urgent international action against rising antisemitism. While he did not preside over the full Vatican Mass, Pope Francis offered the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing to the city and the world, urging peace and compassion.