ROME and LONDON -- On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis made a significant appearance in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, where he delivered a heartfelt Easter blessing. The event followed a brief yet meaningful meeting with Vice President JD Vance, who arrived at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican shortly after 11:30 a.m. local time, according to a statement from the Vatican's Holy See Press Office.
The meeting between Pope Francis and Vice President Vance lasted only a few minutes, but it provided an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange warm Easter greetings. Shortly after this meeting, around noon, the 88-year-old pontiff made his way to St. Peter's Basilica, which overlooks the square bustling with Easter celebrations.
As he arrived, Pope Francis was seen seated in his wheelchair, warmly addressing the gathered crowd. He offered his traditional Easter greeting, exclaiming, Buona Pasqua!, which translates to Happy Easter! This annual blessing is not only a moment of joy but also a time for reflection on pressing global issues.
During his Easter message, the Pope called for an end to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. He emphasized the importance of humanity, stating that “the principle of humanity should never fail to be the hallmark of our daily actions.” His words resonated deeply, particularly in light of the brutal realities faced by defenseless civilians caught in conflict zones.
Pope Francis poignantly remarked, “In the face of the cruelty of conflicts that involve defenseless civilians and attack schools, hospitals, and humanitarian workers, we cannot allow ourselves to forget that it is not targets that are struck, but persons, each possessed of a soul and human dignity.”
This Easter blessing by Pope Francis serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many around the world and the need for compassion and humanity in addressing these issues. As this is a developing story, we encourage readers to check back for further updates on Pope Francis's messages and activities.
