Pope Francis has made a brief appearance to bless crowds gathered to celebrate Easter Sunday at the Vatican.
It is his first significant public appearance since he left hospital, where he was treated for double pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff was in a wheelchair and looked frail, but managed to wave at the gathered faithful.
He was met with cheers and applause as he was wheeled out onto the balcony over St Peter’s Basilica.
“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” he said, before an aide read the rest of his speech, which called for an end to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
The faithful gather in St. Peter’s Square. Pic: Reuters
Members of the clergy. Pic: Reuters
Before the public appearance, the Pope also met US vice president JD Vance at the Vatican, during which they “exchanged good wises on Easter day”, the Vatican said.
Mr Vance, who is in Rome with his family, also met with Pope Francis on Saturday, where the Vatican said there had been “an exchange of opinions” over international conflicts, migrants and prisoners.
