Pope Francis appeared yesterday, Sunday, on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday — his final public appearance before his passing this morning.

In his Easter message Urbi et Orbi ("To the City and the World"), published by the Vatican, the late pope said:

"I am close to the suffering of Christians in Palestine and Israel, and I am also close to both peoples: the Israeli and the Palestinian," stressing that "the growing climate of antisemitism spreading across the world is deeply troubling."

He continued: "At the same time, my thoughts go to the people of Gaza, especially the Christian community there, where the terrible conflict continues to cause death and destruction, creating a dire and disgraceful humanitarian situation."
He called for a "ceasefire, the release of hostages, and assistance for the starving people who yearn for a future of peace."

He also said: "Let us pray for the Christian communities in Lebanon and Syria, who yearn for stability and to take part in shaping their countries’ futures, as Syria goes through a critical period in its history. I also think in particular of the people of Yemen, who are enduring one of the world’s worst ongoing humanitarian crises due to war. I urge all parties to find solutions through constructive dialogue."

The last public figure Pope Francis met before his death was J.D. Vance, U.S. Vice President under Donald Trump.

The pope gave Vance three large chocolate Easter eggs for his young children, who were not present, along with a tie and rosaries from the Vatican.

Vance told the pope: "I know you haven't been feeling well, but it's good to see you looking better. Thank you for meeting with me."