In order to avoid giving a taxing speech at the beginning of a hectic Holy Week that will put his deteriorating health to the test, Pope Francis made the last-minute decision to forego his homily.
In Short
- Pope francis opted not to deliver his palm sunday sermon due to health issues.
- His decision came amidst a hectic holy week schedule.
- Vatican officials estimated 25,000 attendees at st. peter’s square mass.
- Francis leads prayers and consecrates olive branches during the mass.
TFD – Discover why Pope Francis chose not to deliver his Palm Sunday homily amidst health challenges, impacting Holy Week events. Stay connected with TheFoxDaily for comprehensive coverage.
ROME—In an unexpected move, Pope Francis opted not to deliver his sermon at Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, sparing his deteriorating health from an arduous address at the beginning of a hectic Holy Week.
Francis, hampered by recurring respiratory issues and ailing knees, refrained from taking part in the cardinals’ march around the obelisk in the square before Mass began. Rather, the 87-year-old pope consecrated the olive branches and palm fronds that the throng were carrying from the altar.
Francis led the prayers throughout the Mass and was scheduled to give a sermon midway through the session. However, announcers stated that Francis had chosen not to deliver the homily itself after a few moments of silence.
Envisioned by Vatican officials, the Mass drew an estimated 25,000 attendees beneath a bright and breezy spring sky.
Francis has a busy week starting on Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Francis is scheduled to go to a women’s prison in Rome on Thursday for the customary foot washing ceremony. He is expected to lead the Way of the Cross procession, which recreates Christ’s crucifixion, at Rome’s Colosseum on Friday night.
Easter Sunday Mass is held in St. Peter’s Square, and Francis is blessed at midday from the loggia above. The Easter Vigil takes place the following day, when he leads a somber evening liturgy in the basilica.
Francis has been fighting off what he and the Vatican have described as a cold, bronchitis, or flu intermittently this winter. He has been asking an assistant to read aloud his speeches and catechism teachings on occasion for the past few weeks in order to save himself the trouble.
Conclusion
Pope Francis’s decision underscores the importance of prioritizing health during religious observances. As Holy Week progresses, stay updated on developments and messages from the Vatican.
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