Vatican City: Pope Francis on Easter Sunday called for freedom of religion, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression, saying that without them, peace was not possible.

"There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others," read the 88-year-old pope’s address, delivered by a collaborator from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica as the pontiff remained seated in a wheelchair.

Francis made a brief appearance to bless the thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd as he continues recovering from a near-fatal bout of double pneumonia. “Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” he said, his voice sounding stronger than it has since his hospitalisation.

The pope did not celebrate the Easter Mass in the piazza, delegating the role to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St Peter’s Basilica. But after the Mass concluded, Francis appeared on the loggia balcony over the basilica entrance.

The crowd below erupted in cheers as a military band played the Holy See and Italian anthems. Francis waved from the balcony and then asked an aide to read his speech.

Earlier, on his way to the basilica, Francis met briefly in his hotel with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who was spending Easter in Rome with his family.

St Peter’s Square was adorned with daffodils, tulips and other flowers donated by The Netherlands on a chilly but sunny spring morning.

The pontiff has made only a handful of public appearances since returning to the Vatican on 23 March after a 38-day hospital stay. He had skipped the solemn Good Friday and Holy Saturday services, but was expected to appear for Easter Sunday according to liturgical plans released by the Vatican.

Easter is the most joyful event in the Christian liturgical calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Christ after his crucifixion. This year, Catholics and Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter on the same day. Russia marked the occasion by announcing a temporary Easter truce in its war in Ukraine.

Traditionally, Easter at the Vatican includes a Mass and the pope’s Urbi et Orbi blessing — Latin for “to the city and the world” — delivered from the loggia over the basilica entrance. The speech often addresses global conflicts and human suffering. It remained uncertain whether Francis would personally read the address or only impart the apostolic blessing.

Francis has sharply scaled back his workload, adhering to doctors’ orders for two months of rest and respiratory therapy to improve his lung function. He still appears to struggle to project his voice, and his breathing remains laboured.

Prior to Sunday, his most significant outing had been a visit to Rome’s downtown prison, where he spent Holy Thursday with inmates — a gesture reflecting his ongoing focus on those on the margins as he recovers.

(With inputs from AP, AFP)