ROME and LONDON — Pope Francis appeared on Sunday in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for an Easter Sunday blessing, after a brief earlier meeting with Vice President JD Vance.
Vance arrived at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican shortly after 11:30 a.m. local time, the Vatican’s Holy See Press Office said in a statement.
“The meeting, which lasted a few minutes, gave them the opportunity to exchange Easter greetings,” the office said.
“Today I met with the Holy Father Pope Francis. I am grateful for his invitation to meet, and I pray for his good health,” Vance posted on X following the meeting.
At about noon, the 88-year-old pontiff arrived appeared on the balcony on the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica, overlooking the square filled with crowds who had attended the Easter mass, which had just ended.
Seated in his wheelchair, he blessed the crowd and said, “Buona Pasqua!” or “Happy Easter!” The pope’s Easter message included a call for an end to conflicts in the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
“May the principle of humanity never fail to be the hallmark of our daily actions,” his message said, in part. “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 is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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