Pope Francis Addresses Easter Mass, Condemns Antisemitism Amid Health Concerns

Pope Francis made a brief public appearance on Easter Sunday at St. Peter’s Square, drawing applause as he continues to recover from a serious bout of double pneumonia that has limited his recent public engagements. Although he did not personally celebrate Easter Mass or deliver the traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing, delegating those responsibilities due to his frail health, he greeted the faithful from the balcony and conveyed Easter wishes. His Easter address, read by an aide, expressed concern over rising antisemitism worldwide and condemned the ongoing war in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and highlighting the plight of affected communities. Before the appearance, Pope Francis had a short, cordial meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, during which they exchanged Easter greetings and discussed humanitarian concerns, including migration and global conflicts. The encounter came against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration over U.S. immigration policy, with the pope previously voicing concern about the treatment of migrants and refugees. Despite health challenges, Francis’s appearance underscored his continued engagement with both global issues and diplomatic relations.