ROME. Pope Francis has appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi Easter blessing, to the city and to the world. The blessing took place after Mass in St Peter's Square, which was celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the Italian archpriest emeritus of the basilica.
Speaking with a raspy and weak voice, Pope Francis wished his hearers a happy Easter, and said he would ask an aide, papal master of ceremonies Archbishop Diego Ravelli, to read his prepared Easter message, in which he prayed for peace in the world, especially in global hotspots ranging from Ukraine and Gaza to Myanmar and South Sudan.
