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
Portrait of Russian transport minister Roman Starovoit.

Russian Minister Fired by Putin in Kremlin Turmoil Discovered Dead Shortly After in Suspected ‘Suicide’

RUSSIA’S former transport minister has reportedly been found dead just hours after…
Texas flooding: How to help following deadly flash flood along Guadalupe River amid search for Camp Mystic girls in Kerr County

How to Assist After Deadly Flash Flooding Along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County

In response to the devastating floods that hit central Texas over the…
Street scene in Ibiza, Spain, where a British man's body was found.

British Tourist Passes Away After Collapsing at Popular Island Resort

A BRITISH man has died after collapsing in the early hours at…
Former Army captain critically injured in Bahamas boating hit-and-run during family vacation: report

Report: Ex-Army captain severely injured in Bahamas hit-and-run boat accident while on family vacation

A former Army captain and father of two is currently in a…
Over 60 UFO sightings reported whizzing across state in first half of 2025, national tracking group says

More Than 60 UFO Sightings Reported Across State in Early 2025, Says National Tracking Group

New York state has documented 66 Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sightings in…
Two people wearing masks greet each other at a doorway.
THIS is the chilling moment murderer Erin Patterson discharges herself from hospital…
Man killed after opening fire at US Border Patrol facility in Texas

Shooter shot dead at Texas Border Patrol station

One officer was injured in the shooting but it’s unclear if they…
Telvin Smith arrested for aggravated assault against landscaper

Former NFL Player Telvin Smith Charged with Aggravated Assault on Landscaper

Smith, who played for the Jaguars from 2014 to 2018, has had…
Parents' desperate chase foils Brooklyn kidnapper's sinister plot

Frantic Parents Thwart Brooklyn Child Kidnapping Attempt

An attempted kidnapper who snatched a 6-year-old from a bustling Brooklyn street…
People running from bulls during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain.

Man Injured by 1,260lb Bull at Notorious Pamplona Bull Run; Stampede Leaves Eight More Injured

A MAN has been gored by a 1,260lb beast at the notorious…
Man in hospital bed with bandaged hand.

Surfer Attacked in World’s Top Shark Attack Location as Predator Strikes ‘Unexpectedly Like a Bear Trap’

A SURFER has been attacked by a shark in a tourist destination…
Former Chicago journalists Becky Schlikerman, Kim Janssen take legal action, lost Altadena home in Southern California wildfires

Ex-Chicago Reporters Becky Schlikerman and Kim Janssen Sue Over Losing Altadena Home in Southern California Wildfires

CHICAGO (WLS) — It has been six months since the deadly Eaton…