Pope Francis appeared on the Saint Peter Square of the Vatican to wish the “Happy Easter” to thousands of worshipers.
The 88 -year -old Pope went into a wheelchair and removed from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to cheer the crowds below.
His appearance was eagerly awaited after his discharge from the hospital last month, after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.
At that time, doctors said he would need at least two months of rest at his residence. Before the festivities on Sunday, he was seen twice this week.
The Pope presented a weak figure when he came out on Easter Sunday, saying the words, “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”
His traditional Easter address was delivered by a clergy member.
“There can be no peace without the freedom of religion, the freedom of thought, the freedom of expression and the respect for the views of others,” said the clergy member while the Pope was sitting next to him.
The pontiff, who was still healing from his illness, had presented “two very critical episodes” in which “his life was in danger” while in hospital, according to one of the doctors who took care of him.
Dr. Sergio Alfiery added that the Pope had never been intubated and always remained alert and hospital -oriented.
Tens of thousands of Catholics have gathered in Rome for the Easter liturgy during this special anniversary year, which is held every 25 years and sees millions of worshipers descending into the city.
The anniversary year began with the Pope, which usually opened the brick holy door in St. Peter's Basilica on December 24th. Catholics believe that passing the door will release them from their sins.
For the first time since I became Pope in 2013, he missed the bigger part of the events of the Holy Week, including Easter vigil on Saturday at the St. Peter Basilica, where he delegated his duties as Cardinals.
But during a brief appearance inside the basilica on the day, he prays and gave sweets to the children.
Pope Francis, who is from Argentina, has suffered a number of health problems throughout his life, including some of his lungs, eliminated at 21, making it more proposed to infections.