In a surprising turn of events, Pope Francis made a last-minute decision to skip his homily during Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, raising concerns about his health as Holy Week approaches. The 87-year-old pontiff, known for his tireless dedication to his duties, opted to avoid a strenuous speech at the start of a busy week of observances leading up to Easter Sunday.
The decision to forego the homily came as a surprise to many, as Francis had been expected to deliver a message to the faithful gathered in the square. Despite pronouncing the prayers during the Mass, he remained silent when it came time to deliver the homily. Instead, announcers informed the crowd that the pontiff had decided not to speak.
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This unexpected development comes amid ongoing concerns about Pope Francis’s health. Hindered by bad knees and persistent respiratory problems, he has been facing challenges in recent months. Vatican officials estimated that around 25,000 people attended the Palm Sunday Mass, held on a beautiful spring day in Rome.
The upcoming week is set to be a busy one for Pope Francis, with a series of important events leading up to Easter Sunday. On Thursday, he is scheduled to visit a women’s prison in Rome for the traditional washing of the feet ritual. Friday will see him presiding over the Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum, reenacting the crucifixion of Christ.
The Easter Vigil on Saturday night will be followed by Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where Francis will deliver his noontime blessing from the loggia above. These events are central to the Christian faith, marking the culmination of the Lenten season and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
Throughout the winter, Pope Francis has been battling various health issues, including what has been described as the flu, bronchitis, or a cold. In recent weeks, he has been relying on an aide to read his speeches and catechism lessons aloud, sparing him the effort of speaking. This has raised concerns about his ability to fulfill his duties as the leader of the Catholic Church.
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Despite these challenges, Pope Francis remains committed to his role and the responsibilities that come with it. His dedication to serving the faithful and spreading the message of love and compassion is unwavering, even in the face of health concerns. As Holy Week unfolds and Easter approaches, all eyes will be on the pontiff as he leads the Church through this important time of reflection and celebration.
In conclusion, Pope Francis’s decision to skip his homily on Palm Sunday has raised questions about his health and ability to fulfill his duties during Holy Week. As the faithful gather to commemorate the events leading up to Easter Sunday, the pontiff’s health will be closely monitored. Despite the challenges he faces, Pope Francis remains dedicated to his role as the leader of the Catholic Church, inspiring millions around the world with his message of faith, hope, and love..
Pope Francis decided at the last minute to skip his homily during Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, avoiding a strenuous speech at the start of a busy Holy Week that will test his increasingly frail health.
Hobbled by bad knees and persistent respiratory problems, Francis also didn’t participate in the procession of cardinals around the obelisk in the piazza at the start of the Mass. Instead, the 87-year-old pontiff blessed the palm fronds and olive branches carried by the faithful from the altar.
Francis had been expected to deliver a homily halfway through the service and had pronounced the prayers during the Mass. But after several seconds of silence, announcers said Francis had decided not to deliver the homily itself.
Vatican officials estimated some 25,000 people attended the Mass, held under a sunny, breezy spring sky.
Palm Sunday kicks off a busy week for Francis leading up to Easter Sunday when the faithful commemorate the resurrection of Christ. On Thursday, Francis is due to travel to a Rome women’s prison for the traditional washing of the feet ritual. On Friday he is scheduled to preside over the nighttime Way of the Cross procession at Rome’s Colosseum re-enacting Christ’s crucifixion.
The following day marks the Easter Vigil, during which Francis presides over a solemn nighttime service in the basilica, followed by Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square and his noontime blessing from the loggia above.
Off and on this winter, Francis has been battling what he and the Vatican have described as a case of the flu, bronchitis or a cold. For the last several weeks he has occasionally asked an aide to read aloud his speeches and catechism lessons to spare him the effort.
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NICOLE WINFIELD said Pope skips homily at start of busy Holy Week during Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square
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