Pope wishes 'Happy Easter' to faithful in appearance at St Peter's Square

Pope Francis surprised even himself on Easter Sunday by sitting in front of thousands of his fans at St. Peter’s Square, declining to give the traditional benediction for the first time in years due to his serious health issues. The 88-year-old cardinal, facing significant medical challenges, opted instead to personally deliver a touching "Happy Easter" message to the crowd, who flooded the square with flowers to mark the occasion. His absence from the balcony meant he could’t perform his usual benediction of "Urbi et Orbi," but the act was greeted with warmth and devotion by the faithful who gathered there.