Pope Francis appeared publicly at St. Peter Square in Vatican to wish thousands of people a “Happy Easter” to thousands of people after a long illness.
The 88 -year -old Pope, sitting on a wheelchair, shook hands towards St. Peter Basilica’s balcony and said: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.” Although his traditional Easter address was given by a member of the pastor, the Pope was present all the time, he appeared weak but cautious.
Francis also emphasized the importance of using Easter “to revive our trust on others”, including those who are different from us, or who come from distant countries, bring unfamiliar customs, lifestyle and thoughts! Because we are all children of God! He reminded the people of suffering in Gaza, Israel, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan and Congo Democratic Republic, Myanmar and many other places.
He further said: “I appeal to all the people sitting in political responsibility positions in our world not to bend in front of the argument of fear, which leads to separation from others, but also use available resources available to help the needy, fighting hunger and promote development initiatives. These are the weapons of peace: those weapons that create a future instead of sowing deaths!”
After blessings, they were rotated around the square, halted several times to bless the infants brought by the mob. After being hospitalized for five weeks last month, he was eagerly awaited to arrive on Easter, as he had double pneumonia due to infection.
In a message read on his behalf, the Pope emphasized the importance of fundamental freedom: “There cannot be peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for others’ ideas.”
Prior to Sunday’s ceremony, the Pope was seen out twice this week. Thousands of Catholic gathered in Rome for the Easter month during this special birth anniversary year, which takes place every 25 years and millions of pilgrims come to the city.
The birth anniversary year began on 24 December by the Pope opening the holy gate closed with bricks in St. Peters Basilica. For the first time after becoming the Pope in 2013, he did not attend most of the programs of the Holy Week, including Saturday’s Easter prayer meeting in St. Peters Basilica, where he assigned his duties to Cardinals. However, during a brief appearance inside the Basilica that day, he prayed and gave sweets to the children.
When he was discharged from the hospital in March, his doctors said that he would need to rest at least two months at his residence. According to one of the doctors taking care of him, the Pope presented the “two very serious cases” while in the hospital, where his “life was in danger”.
Dr. Sergio Alystri said that the Pope was never integrated and he was always cautious and oriented in the hospital. Pope Francis, who comes from Argentina, faced many health problems throughout his life, including removing one of his lungs at the age of 21, which is more at risk of infection.
