On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Pope Francis entrusted the celebration of Palm Sunday in Piazza San Pietro to Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, who read the homily prepared by the Pope. This event marked the beginning of Holy Week, a significant time in the Christian calendar that commemorates the last days of Jesus Christ's life. The Pope, who has been recovering from a recent hospital stay, made a surprise appearance following the mass, greeting over 20,000 faithful who had gathered despite inclement weather.
The celebration of Palm Sunday is a tradition observed by Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants alike, and it falls on the Sunday before Easter. It symbolizes Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed by a jubilant crowd waving palm branches. In Italy, where palm trees are less common, olive branches are often used in place of palms. This year, 150 palms and 200,000 olive branches were distributed, provided by the National Association City of Oil from the Lazio Region.
During his homily, which was read by Cardinal Sandri, the Pope emphasized the importance of sharing Christ's love by helping those who are suffering. He stated, "In the face of the atrocious injustice of evil, carrying the cross of Christ is never in vain; rather, it is the most concrete way to share his saving love." The Pope's message resonated deeply with the congregation, as he called on them to reflect on the significance of their own crosses and the crosses of those around them.
As the mass concluded, the Pope expressed gratitude to the faithful for their prayers during his recovery, saying, "Sisters and brothers, I thank you so much for your prayers. In this moment of physical weakness, they help me feel even more the closeness, compassion, and tenderness of God." His heartfelt words were met with applause and cheers from the crowd, who waved their olive branches in response.
The celebration in Piazza San Pietro began with the blessing of the palms and olive branches, followed by a procession that carried the palms into the basilica for the mass. This ritual not only commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem but also serves as a reminder of the shared journey of faith among the congregation.
In Chieti, a city in Italy, similar celebrations took place. Archbishop Bruno Forte led the Palm Sunday processions, which included a blessing of the palms at the church of San Domenico al Corso at 10:00 AM. Following the blessing, a procession moved toward the cathedral of San Giustino, culminating in the celebration of Holy Mass. In the afternoon, the 52nd edition of the Way of the Cross of Workers was held, themed 'Hope.' This event featured a procession through the city center, emphasizing the importance of community and solidarity during this sacred time.
The Way of the Cross, organized by Acli, began from Piazza San Giustino and passed through various streets before reaching Piazza Trento e Trieste, where Archbishop Forte imparted a blessing. To ensure safety during the event, local authorities implemented a municipal ordinance prohibiting parking and temporarily suspending vehicular traffic along the procession route.
As Palm Sunday marks the commencement of Holy Week, it serves as a poignant reminder of the events leading up to Easter. The week will culminate in the Paschal Triduum, beginning on Holy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper and the Passion of Christ. The reflections shared during this time encourage believers to contemplate the depth of their faith and the sacrifices made by Jesus.
In his homily, the Pope also reflected on the figure of Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to help Jesus carry his cross. He urged the congregation to consider the significance of this act, stating, "We must follow the steps of Simon, for he teaches us that Jesus meets everyone, in any situation. When we see the multitude of men and women who hate and violence throw onto the road to Calvary, let us remember that God transforms this road into a place of redemption, for he walked it, giving his life for us."
As the faithful gathered in Piazza San Pietro, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of hope and renewal. The Pope's presence, despite his physical challenges, served as an uplifting reminder of the enduring spirit of the Church and the importance of community during the holiest time of the year.
The events of Palm Sunday not only signify the beginning of Holy Week but also invite believers to engage deeply with their faith, reflecting on the love and compassion that Jesus exemplified throughout his life. As the week progresses, Christians around the world will continue to commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ, finding strength and inspiration in the shared rituals and teachings of their faith.
