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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.
Pope Francis meets with Vice President JD Vance and a delegation during an audience at Casa Santa Marta, April 20, 2025, at the Vatican.
Vatican Pool/Getty Images
“The meeting, which lasted a few minutes, gave them the opportunity to exchange Easter greetings,” the office said.
At about noon, the 88-year-old pontiff arrived at St. Peter’s Basilica, overlooking the square where Easter celebrations were taking place.
The motorcade of Vice President JD Vance is seen en route to the Vatican, in Rome, Italy, April 20, 2025.
Kenny Holston/Pool via Reuters
Seated in his wheelchair, he blessed the crowd and said, “Buona Pasqua!” or “Happy Easter!” The pope’s Easter blessing included a call for an end to conflicts in the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
Pope Francis appears on the main balcony of St. Peter’s basilica for the Urbi et Orbi message and blessing to the city and the world as part of Easter celebrations, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on April 20, 2025.
Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images
“May the principle of humanity never fail to be the hallmark of our daily actions,” his blessing 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.
