by Paul Zangari

Sun, April 20th 2025 at 3:31 PM

Updated Sun, April 20th 2025 at 3:33 PM

Pope Francis overlooking Easter crowds from a balcony at St. Peter’s (CNN)

VATICAN CITY (CNN) — In his highest-profile appearance yet since being discharged from the hospital, Pope Francis gave the traditional Easter blessing on Sunday.

He appeared from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Francis recently spent 38 days in the hospital, where he came close to death, in a bout with double pneumonia.

He is currently unable to speak for long periods due to his respiratory difficulties.

Also on Sunday the Vatican released the text of the pope’s Easter message which included an appeal to end conflicts across the world, particularly in Gaza.