Mon Apr 21 08:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis Delivers Easter Blessing, Meets with Vice President Vance Amidst Ongoing Recovery
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis delivered the traditional Easter “Urbi et Orbi” blessing on Sunday, marking his most public appearance since his recent hospitalization for pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, still recovering from a 38-day hospital stay, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to a cheering crowd, offering the blessing in a weakened but audible voice. While an aide read his address, the Pope’s message included an impassioned plea for peace in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and aid to the suffering population.
Before the blessing, Pope Francis met privately with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a devout Catholic. The Vatican described the meeting as an exchange of Easter greetings. However, the meeting follows previous sharp disagreements between the Pope and the Trump administration over immigration policy, with Vance himself previously using theological arguments to defend the administration’s stance. Subsequent discussions between Vance and senior Vatican officials reportedly covered migrants, refugees, prisoners, and President Trump’s commitment to world peace.
Despite ongoing respiratory difficulties and physiotherapy to regain his voice, the Pope has shown a determination to resume his duties, making several surprise appearances since his discharge. Doctors have advised him to limit exposure to large crowds during his recovery period. Later on Sunday, the Pope greeted the crowds from the popemobile, a further sign of his improving health.
First Piper 