Pope Francis calls for global peace in Easter message

• Pope Francis, recovering from pneumonia, delivered his Easter “Urbi et Orbi” message calling for global peace from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Given his ongoing recovery, however, the pope did not celebrate Mass.
• Archbishop Diego Ravelli read the pope’s remarks to a crowd in a flower-filled St. Peter’s Square, beginning with the proclamation: “Christ is risen.”
• Francis briefly met U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his family in Rome, and gave the VP chocolate Easter eggs for his children during a short exchange of holiday greetings.

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Pope Francis used his Easter “Urbi et Orbi” blessing Sunday, April 20, to call for peace across the globe. He delivered the message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica despite continuing health struggles.

‘Christ is risen’

The 88-year-old pontiff, recovering from bilateral pneumonia, did not preside over Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square. The liturgy was instead celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of the basilica. However, Francis appeared on the loggia balcony following the Mass and remained for more than 20 minutes.

As thousands gathered in the tulip-adorned square, Archbishop and Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations Diego Ravelli read the pope’s prepared remarks. Francis’ message began with a proclamation: “Christ is risen.”

“Urbi et Orbi,” which means “to the city and to the world,” is the traditional papal Easter blessing and address, typically used to speak to both local and international audiences. This year, the pope’s message centered on appeals for peace in conflict zones around the world.

Pope Francis, Vance briefly meet

The Vatican confirmed Francis also met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was in Rome for the holiday with his family. The encounter lasted only a few minutes and was described as an exchange of Easter greetings. Francis gifted Vance three large chocolate Easter eggs for his children.

“I know you have not been feeling great but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told the pope. “Thank you for seeing me.”

Francis’ ongoing recovery

Francis was hospitalized in February at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia. Doctors identified a respiratory tract infection caused by bacteria, a virus and fungus. The pope has long faced health challenges, including chronic knee and back pain, and had part of one lung removed as a young man. In 2023, he underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia.

In recent months, the pope suffered two falls at his Vatican residence — one in December that left him with facial bruises, and another in January that injured his right arm. The Vatican said he sustained no fractures in either incident.