by Mick the Ram

Pope Francis appeared at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square in front of thousands of worshippers wishing them a “Happy Easter”.

The pontiff looked extremely frail as he was wheeled out onto the balcony over the entrance of St Peter’s Basilica and waved to the cheering masses below him.

His traditional Easter address was delivered by a clergy member after which the 88-year-old was driven around the square with his procession pausing a number of times as babies were brought over for him to bless.

Also on Sunday morning, US Vice-President JD Vance – a Roman Catholic who converted as an adult – had a brief private meeting with the Pope.

For the first time since taking up his role in 2013, he had missed the majority of Holy Week events, including Saturday’s Easter vigil where he delegated his duties to cardinals.

It was only last month that he was discharged from hospital after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.

The Argentinian national has suffered a number of health issues throughout his life, including having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21, making him more prone to infections.

The Pope’s Easter blessing – “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) which was delivered on his behalf said: “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others. What a great thirst for death, for killing we see in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world.”

His address remembered the people of Gaza, in particular its Christian population, as the conflict “causes death and destruction” and creates a “deplorable humanitarian situation” he pointed out.

He also called growing global antisemitism “worrisome”, adding in his message: “Call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”

Turning to the situation in Ukraine, he encouraged all parties involved to “pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace, before adding that there needed to be freedom of religion and respect for the views of others, saying peace was not possible without them. “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others.”

He remarked how in Jubilee year, Easter would be a fitting occasion for the “liberation of prisoners of war and political prisoners”.

The pontiff, with his voice still weak, was able to personally say to his loyal crowd: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.” as he was met with cheers, applause and chants of “Viva il Papa” – meaning long live the Pope.

When he was discharged from hospital in March, his doctors had said he would need at least two months of rest at his residence following a period where doctors had at one point announced his life was in danger.

In an unscheduled move, the Pope decided to formally receive the US vice president ahead of his  blessing in a meeting which apparently lasted just a few minutes. Mr Vance had arrived in Rome on Friday, and on Saturday had met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State and Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisation.

During “cordial talks” the parties expressed satisfaction with “good existing bilateral relations” and a “common commitment” to protect freedom of religion.

The Vatican confirmed that there had been an “exchange of opinions” on the international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees, and prisoners.