Premium

‘Brothers and sisters, happy Easter’: Pope Francis’ last public appearance a day before demise

Earlier on the morning of Easter, the Pope also briefly met with US Vice President JD Vance and his family at his Vatican residence.

Pope Francis tours St. Peter's Square in his popemobile after bestowing the Urbi et Orbi at the end of the Easter mass. (AP photo)

A day before his passing, Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting a crowd of more than 35,000 in St. Peter’s Square from his popemobile in what marked his most significant outing since he fell ill with a severe case of double pneumonia.

“Brothers and sisters, happy Easter!” the 88-year-old pope declared from the loggia balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Francis did not celebrate the Easter Mass—Cardinal Angelo Comastri. But he surprised the crowd by looping through the piazza, stopping to bless babies and waving to pilgrims amid cheers of “Viva il Papa!” and “Bravo!”

As tradition dictates, Francis delivered the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing—Latin for “to the city and the world”—from the basilica balcony. The blessing was accompanied by a message read aloud by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, where the pope called for peace in global conflict zones including Gaza, Ukraine, Congo, and Myanmar.

“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 message said, referring to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He also urged compassion for migrants and the marginalized: “On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves… For all of us are children of God.”

Breaking News | Pope Francis passes away at 88, after prolonged illness

Easter meeting with US Vice President JD Vance

Earlier that morning, Francis met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance and his family at his Vatican residence. The meeting, described by the Vatican as a short Easter greeting, included a warm gesture from the pope, who gave Vance three large chocolate Easter eggs for his children.

Vance, a devout Catholic, also met with top Vatican officials on Saturday. According to CNN, the discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin included topics such as persecuted Christian communities, immigration, and shared concerns over global peace. The Vatican acknowledged that the conversations touched upon differing views on migration and prisoner rights.

Also Read: | Pope Francis makes first public appearance at Vatican after hospital stay

His last engagements

Despite breathing difficulties and doctors’ recommendations to avoid large crowds, Francis had slowly resumed public engagements. His Easter outing followed brief appearances over the weekend, including a Holy Thursday visit to a Rome prison.

Story continues below this ad

Francis was undergoing respiratory therapy. On Sunday, he appeared without a nasal cannula and, although his voice remained soft, it was clear and steady as he greeted the crowds.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram