Imagine being in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday and suddenly seeing Pope Francis appear for a surprise visit! This unexpected moment happened after the Mass led by Cardinal Sandri on Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord. Pope Francis greeted the crowd from the steps and spent about ten minutes mingling with the faithful.
By: Lorena Leonardi – Vatican News
Published on:
“Happy Palm Sunday and have a blessed Holy Week!” These were the words Pope Francis shared with the crowd on April 13 from St. Peter’s Square after the Palm Sunday Mass. The Pope then spent some time in the Square, greeting and interacting with the faithful. Another surprise from the Pontiff in recovery, welcomed by the joyful crowd and a ray of sunshine, following his presence at the Jubilee for the sick and healthcare workers the previous Sunday, and his unplanned visits to the Vatican Basilica and Santa Maria Maggiore for prayer.
After greeting the crowd, Pope Francis went to pray in the Vatican Basilica, stopping at the tombs of St. Peter, San Pio X, and Benedetto XV.
Before the crowd of 40,000, there was a call to carry the cross not just physically but also in our hearts, to show compassion to those suffering around us. This was the message Pope Francis conveyed through Cardinal Leonardo Sandri on Palm Sunday, urging everyone to become “Simon of Cyrene” for each other, supporting and comforting those in need.
The Blessing of Palms and Olive Branches
St. Peter’s Square was adorned with colorful flowers and plants, including palm trees and olive branches distributed to the faithful. The procession to the obelisk included the blessing of palms and olive branches, commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
Pope Francis’ Homily
In his prepared homily, Pope Francis reflected on the journey of Jesus, from triumphal entry to the painful path of the Passion. He highlighted the figure of Simon of Cyrene, emphasizing the significance of his silent but profound act of helping Jesus carry the cross.
Simon’s gesture, though reluctant at first, became a transformative experience as he shared in the suffering of Christ. Pope Francis urged the crowd to look beyond the physical action and delve into the heart of Simon, recognizing the universal redemption brought by Jesus’ sacrifice for all.
Following Simon’s footsteps leads us to a deeper understanding of Christ’s love and mercy, reminding us to see the Lord in the faces of those in need. As we journey through Holy Week, let us embrace the spirit of compassion and selflessness exemplified by Simon of Cyrene, opening our hearts to the message of redemption and salvation.
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