Holy Week in the Vatican is returning to its former glory after two years of restrictions due to the pandemic.
It will kick off with Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square, where Pope Francis will bless the palm leaves and olive branches brought by thousands of pilgrims to commemorate Jesus' arrival in Jersusalem.
Last year, the celebration was limited to only two hundred participants inside St. Peter's Basilica due to the pandemic.
For Holy Thursday, Pope Francis will celebrate Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. Then, the Pope typically dedicates his homily to the priests renewing their vows on that day, as is custom.
On Good Friday, he will preside over the liturgy which is held in silence to contemplate the Passion and Death of Christ. In previous years the Pope has laid prostrate on the floor of St. Peter's Basilica as a sign of penance, yet due to his recent knee pain, it is unclear as to whether he will continue this tradition.
In the evening, Pope Francis will return to the Colosseum, where he will preside over the Stations of the Cross. Each year, the readings concentrate on a different theme, and the Pope's recent condemnations of the war in Ukraine suggest they could offer a reflection on the horrors of war.
The Easter Vigil will once again begin with the traditional candlelit procession through St. Peter's Basilica. In years past, the has baptized adults on the occasion, although the Vatican has not yet confirmed if he will repeat this act.
Pope Francis will end Holy Week by celebrating Mass at 10am in St. Peter's Square before crowds of pilgrims. Afterwards, he will impart his Urbi et Orbi blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Square, surrounded by colorful Easter flowers.
JM
