ROME (AP) – Pope Leo XIV celebrated Palm Sunday before tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square, marking the commencement of his first Holy Week as pontiff. The event also served as a poignant reminder of the final, suffering days of Pope Francis' life.
The celebration commenced with a procession featuring cardinals, bishops, priests, and laypeople who entered the square while carrying olive branches and intricately braided palm fronds. They halted at the central obelisk, where Pope Leo delivered an opening prayer before proceeding toward the altar to begin the Mass. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, leading up to his crucifixion observed on Good Friday and his resurrection celebrated on Easter Sunday.
In contrast to last year's Holy Week, when Pope Francis was recuperating at the Vatican after a five-week hospitalization due to double pneumonia, Pope Leo XIV took center stage this year. Francis had delegated the liturgical celebrations to others but managed to make an appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting the faithful from the loggia of St. Peter’s Square. Tragically, he passed away the following morning, Easter Monday, after suffering a stroke. His nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, revealed that Francis expressed gratitude to him for allowing him to return to the square for what would be his final farewell.
Pope Leo XIV is set to preside over the week’s liturgical events, reintroducing the Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, a practice that had been a long-standing tradition before Francis opted for more unconventional venues. During his twelve-year pontificate, Pope Francis famously celebrated this ritual by washing the feet of marginalized individuals in Rome-area prisons and refugee centers, highlighting the message of service and humility. His inclusive approach drew both praise and criticism; while demonstrating his commitment to social justice, some critics expressed discontent over his choice to wash the feet of Muslims and individuals from different faiths.
In contrast, Pope Leo’s return to tradition will see him perform the foot-washing ceremony within the confines of the basilica. The Vatican has not disclosed the specific participants, although previous popes, such as Benedict XVI and John Paul II, traditionally washed the feet of twelve priests. Additionally, Leo is scheduled to lead the Good Friday procession at Rome's iconic Colosseum, commemorating Christ's Passion and crucifixion.
On Saturday evening, Pope Leo XIV will conduct the late-night Easter Vigil, during which he will baptize new Catholics. Following this, the celebration will culminate with Easter Sunday, where Leo will again lead the Mass in St. Peter's Square, concluding with his Easter blessing delivered from the loggia of the basilica. The upcoming week promises to blend traditional liturgical practices with modern engagement, signaling Pope Leo XIV’s direction for his papacy as he honors the rich customs of the Catholic Church while also perhaps redefining some aspects of its outreach.
