Pope appears on Easter Sunday after serious illness

Pope Francis has appeared for an Easter the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square to with “Happy Easter” to thousands of worshippers.

The Pope, 88, came out in a wheelchair and waved from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to cheering crowds below.

His appearance had been eagerly anticipated, following his discharge from hospital last month, after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia.

At the time, doctors said he would need at least two months of rest at his residence. Prior to Sunday’s celebrations, he had been seen out twice this week.

Tens of thousands of Catholics have gathered in Rome for Easter Mass during this special jubilee year, which takes place every 25 years and sees millions of pilgrims descend on the city.

The jubilee year kicked off with the Pope opening the usually bricked-up Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica on 24 December. Catholics believe passing through the door will relieve them of their sins.

For the first time since becoming pope in 2013, he has missed the majority of Holy Week events, including Saturday’s Easter vigil at St Peter’s Basilica, where he delegated his duties to cardinals.

But, during a brief appearance inside the basilica on the day, he prayed and gave sweets to children.

He presented a frail figure as he came out on Easter Sunday, saying the words: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”