Pope Francis' last appearance on Easter Sunday, meeting with JD Vance

Pope Francis took his last breath on Monday at 88 after surviving months of double pneumonia. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he showcased resilience despite his fragile health.

The 88-year-old pontiff delighted thousands of devotees in St. Peter’s Square in the open-topped pope-mobile, stopping occasionally to bless babies and greet the faithful.

While he delegated the Easter Mass to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Francis appeared on the loggia balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to impart the apostolic blessing in Latin. His voice sounded stronger than it had since his release from the hospital in March.

The Vatican estimated that over 35,000 people attended the celebration, which was marked by the vibrant colours of flowers donated by the Netherlands.

Earlier that day, Francis briefly met US Vice President JD Vance at his Vatican residence to exchange Easter greetings. The Pope gifted Vance three chocolate Easter eggs for his children. Vance, who was visiting Italy with his family, had met senior Vatican officials for formal talks the previous day, which Francis did not attend due to his health.

The brief encounter between Francis and Vance came despite past tensions over US immigration policies. While the two exchanged pleasantries privately, the Vatican remains firm in its previous criticisms of policies advanced during the Trump administration, many of which Vance had supported.

Francis has had limited public appearances since his return to the Vatican, focusing on recovery and respiratory therapy.