The death of Pope Francis in the early hours of Monday morning was a shock to many, especially after several public appearances over the Easter weekend.
Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar and, although Francis did not lead the main services of Holy Week and Easter, he did make a few brief appearances.
On Thursday, the Pope spent 30 minutes in a prison in Rome.
On Saturday evening, he visited St. Peter's Basilica.
On Sunday, he delighted the faithful after giving the traditional Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
He gave the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing — “To the City [of Rome] and the World” — as an aide read his speech. Only the pope can give this blessing, which also includes granting an indulgence, the forgiveness of the consequences of sins. His voice sounded weak, but he appeared without the oxygen device he was using as he said: “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”
Later, he greeted the cheering crowds in St. Peter's Square from his car, the first time he had done so since his hospitalization.
Earlier on Easter Sunday, before giving his blessing, Francis had a private meeting with US Vice President JD Vance. (A2 Televizion)
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