Share this @internewscast.com

ROME — 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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Central Park Conservancy bigwig blasted by Wollman Rink operator she bragged about dissing in op-ed

Central Park Conservancy Executive Criticized by Wollman Rink Operator Following Op-Ed Remarks

This week, Central Park Conservancy’s CEO, Elizabeth “Betsy” Smith, found herself at…
'Dancing with the Stars' recap: 'Dedication Night' has nostalgia, emotion and a surprising end

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Recap: ‘Dedication Night’ Stirs Up Emotions with Nostalgia and an Unexpected Twist

LOS ANGELES — It was “Dedication Night” in the “Dancing with the…
Israeli military says one of the bodies handed over by Hamas is not that of a hostage

Israeli Military Confirms Body Returned by Hamas Isn’t a Hostage

The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that one of the bodies given…
Stellantis to reopen Belvidere, Illinois plant to produce Jeep Cherokee, Compass

Stellantis Plans to Reopen Belvidere Plant in Illinois for Jeep Cherokee and Compass Production

BELVIDERE, Ill. (WLS) — Stellantis will be reopening its Belvidere plant as…
Mom of three fatally shot by roommate who mistook her for intruder: police

Mother of Three Tragically Killed by Roommate Mistaking Her for Intruder, Authorities Report

A mom of three whose husband is battling cancer was shot and…
Freed hostages' loved ones thank Trump for reuniting them after more than two years

Families of Released Hostages Express Gratitude to Trump for Their Reunion After Over Two Years

After over two years, 20 liberated Israeli hostages were joyfully reunited with…
Man charged in 41-year-old cold case murder of 16-year-old Theresa Fusco in Lynbrook, Long Island

Charges Filed in 41-Year-Old Cold Case: 16-Year-Old Theresa Fusco’s Murder in Lynbrook, Long Island Reinvestigated

In Nassau County, New York, a decades-old murder mystery has finally been…
JSO: Shooting on Caljon Road leaves teen dead

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Reports Fatal Teen Shooting on Caljon Road

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the two people were detained following the…
The Latest: Supreme Court set to hear arguments over the Voting Rights Act

Breaking News: Supreme Court to Review Cases on Voting Rights Act

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday over a core provision…
Sister Jean funeral: Loyola University hosts wake, visitation Wednesday for iconic men's basketball chaplain on Rogers Park campus

Loyola University Honors Beloved Basketball Chaplain Sister Jean with Wake and Visitation in Rogers Park

Loyola University is paying tribute to Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, who passed…
'KPop Demon Hunters' thrills at the box office for limited run

Don’t Miss the Global Sing-Along Release of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ in Theaters!

Netflix’s blockbuster animated film is making a triumphant return to theaters for…
Missouri man executed for killing state trooper 20 years ago

Missouri Executes Man for 2003 Murder of State Trooper

A death row inmate in Missouri was executed Tuesday night after the…