With thousands of infirmed people and those who care for them gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis, seated in a wheelchair and wearing a nasal cannula, made an unexpected appearance to greet the crowd.

The Vatican and Russian foreign ministers discussed “initiatives aimed at stopping the military actions” in Ukraine during a phone call April 4.

Saying “yes” to God’s plan for one’s life does not mean everything will be easy, but it does mean knowing that God is there and will help, Pope Francis said.

During his second week back at the Vatican after a long hospitalization, Pope Francis continued to follow his doctors’ orders to stay home, avoid visitors and keep up with respiratory and physical therapy, the Vatican press office said.

Jesus’ resurrection is not a triumphant display of power over his enemies, but rather a quiet, radical act of love that invites believers to rise from their own failures with joy and humility, the preacher of the papal household said.

The Catholic Church is a new and reconciled humanity thanks to the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is the source of communion, harmony and fraternity, Pope Francis wrote.

During his long and fruitful pontificate, St. John Paul II embraced the entire world, which stands yet again in need of his blessing, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said.

Even when a person seems totally lost and unable to find a way back to God, the Lord is already looking for him or her, said the text for Pope Francis’ weekly general audience.

Technology should be used to improve people’s lives and to connect people as members of one human family, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis’ condition remains stable, and an X-ray showed there has been a slight improvement regarding his lingering lung infection, the Vatican press office said.