Pope Francis appeared at the Saint-Vatican Squ’s Square to wish “Happy Easter” to thousands of faithful.
The 88-year-old Pope was released in a wheelchair and stirred from the Balcony of the Basilica of Saint-Pierre to encourage crowds below.
His appearance had been impatiently expected, following his release from the hospital last month, after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.
At the time, doctors said he would need at least two months of rest at his residence. Before Sunday celebrations, he was seen twice this week.
The pope presented a fragile silhouette while he was released on Easter Sunday, saying the words: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”
His traditional Easter address was pronounced by a member of the clergy.
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the opinions of others,” said the member of the clergy, while the Pope was sitting next to him.
The pontiff, who always heals his illness, had presented “two very critical episodes” where his “life was in danger” in the hospital, according to one of the doctors who took care of him.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri added that the Pope has never been intubated and has always remained alert and oriented in the hospital.
Tens of thousands of Catholics gathered in Rome for Easter mass during this special year of the jubilee, which takes place every 25 years and sees millions of pilgrims going into the city.
The year of the jubilee began with the pope opening the holy door usually brick at the Saint-Pierre basilica on December 24. Catholics believe that going through the door will denounce them from their sins.
For the first time since his fact of becoming a pope in 2013, he missed the majority of the events of Holy Week, including the Easter Vigil on Saturday at the Saint-Pierre Basilica, where he delegated his functions to the Cardinals.
But, during a brief appearance inside the basilica during the day, he prayed and gave candies to the children.
