“Urbi et orbi”: Pope speaks blessing for Easter

It had been puzzled for a long time whether it would work: Now Pope Francis (88) could actually personally speak to the traditional Easter blessing “Urbi et orbi” in front of the people on St. Peter’s Square in Rome. The Pontifex, which recovered from pneumonia, was in a wheelchair. The Pope also wished the believers who gathered on St. Peter’s Square with great cheering “Happy Easter”. Cardinal Angelo Comastri previously headed the service.

Pope Francis is also said to have met US Vice President JD Vance (40) in the Vatican for a short conversation on Easter Sunday. According to media reports, the two spoke to each other in the Santa Marta guest house. “The meeting that only lasted a few minutes offered them the opportunity to exchange Easter greetings”.

On February 14, the Pope was hospitalized in Rome. It was treated due to bronchitis, later due to pneumonia on both sides and a polymicrobial infection. After 38 days – the longest hospital stay since his election as a Pope – Francis was released from the hospital on March 23. During his stay, he apparently experienced several breath crises, two of whom endangered his life. This was unveiled by a senior doctor, professor and clinic chief doctor Sergio Alfieri (58), later in an interview with the Italian daily “Corriere della Sera”.