Pope Francis has died, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo announced

Easter Surprise: Pope’s Emotional Return to St. Peter’s Square 

In a dramatic Easter Sunday moment, Pope Francis defied health concerns to greet 35,000 faithful in St. Peter’s Square, marking his most significant public appearance since hospitalization. The 88-year-old pontiff, still recovering from severe double pneumonia, waved to crowds from his popemobile, stopping to bless infants and acknowledge roaring chants of “Viva il Papa!” 

While Cardinal Angelo Comastri led the Easter Mass, Francis delivered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing. His pre-written message, read aloud by Archbishop Diego Ravelli, condemned global conflicts and called for: 

– Immediate ceasefire in Gaza and release of hostages 

– Humanitarian aid for war-torn regions (Ukraine, Congo, Myanmar) 

– Greater empathy toward migrants: “We are all children of God” 

Behind the Scenes: Vance-Vatican Diplomacy 

U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s Easter weekend visit to Rome included two pivotal Vatican encounters: 

1. Private Easter Greeting: A 5-minute meeting at the papal residence where Francis gifted Vance’s children three large chocolate Easter eggs 

   – Vance: “It’s good to see you in better health” (AP) 

2. Policy Discussions: Saturday talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin focused on: 

   – Protecting persecuted Christians worldwide 

   – Diverging views on U.S. immigration enforcement 

   – Prisoner rehabilitation programs 

Tension Point: The meeting occurred amid ongoing friction between the Vatican and Trump-era policies. Francis previously criticized mass deportations as a “disgrace”, while Vance (a 2019 Catholic convert) has cited medieval theology to justify border measures. 

Health Update: Pope’s Fragile Recovery 

– 🏥 Medical Status: Still limited to brief appearances per doctors’ orders 

  – Holy Thursday visit to Rebibbia Prison (washed inmates’ feet) 

  – Limited balcony appearances during Holy Week 

– 🚨 Vatican Statement: “His schedule remains light as he rebuilds strength”