Despite weeks of intense knee pain, Pope Francis proceeded down the long nave of St. Peter's Basilica in complete silence for the celebration of the Passion of the Lord.
Although in previous years the Pope laid on the floor before the altar, he remained standing for a moment of contemplation.
As is customary, the homily for the Liturgy of the Word was given by the Preacher of the Papal Household, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, who considered Jesus' Resurrection as an antidote to the hopelessness pervasive in today's world.
CARD. RANIERO CANTALAMESSA
Preacher of the Papal Household
Some say, “there is too much injustice, too much suffering in the world, to believe in God.” It's true, but let's think for a moment how much more absurd and hopeless the evil that surrounds us becomes without faith in a final triumph of truth and good.
The liturgy then proceeded to the the Adoration of the Cross, and a deacon brought the uncovered cross to the altar. Prior to the pandemic, participants would kiss it one-by-one, yet this year it was only kissed by Pope Francis.
The participants then distributed communion, with hosts consecrated the day prior, before the Pope processed out of the basilica ahead of the celebration of the Stations of the Cross.
JM
