Devendra Kumar
Pope Francis surprised his audience by skipping his traditional homily during Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square. The 87-year-old pontiff’s health has been a concern in recent weeks, with bad knees and persistent respiratory problems affecting him. Francis, who was expected to deliver a prepared text, declined when his aide presented him with his glasses to begin reading, leaving the crowd in silence. Instead, the Vatican press office said the homily was replaced by a moment of silence and prayer.
Despite not delivering his homily, Francis did participate in the Mass, blessing the palm fronds and olive branches carried by the faithful, and offering a long appeal for peace. He prayed for the families of those killed in a “vile terrorist attack” in Moscow, as well as for the “martyred Ukraine” and people of Gaza. The Pope also spent several minutes greeting the crowd from the Popemobile at the end of the service.
The Palm Sunday Mass was attended by an estimated 60,000 people, and Vatican officials said that Francis’s decision not to deliver the homily was made at the last minute. The Pope’s schedule for the week ahead is filled with a series of events, including a trip to a Rome women’s prison for the traditional washing of the feet ritual, a torchlit Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum, and Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
Francis’s decision to skip the homily has raised concerns about his health, which has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks. The Pope has been battling a case of the flu, bronchitis, or a cold, and has occasionally asked an aide to read aloud his speeches and catechism lessons to spare him the effort. Despite his health struggles, Francis has persevered and has continued to carry out his duties as Pope.
The Holy Week schedule is always challenging, but this year it is especially so for Francis, given his ongoing health issues. The Pope has been in hospital several times during his pontificate, and his health has been a topic of concern for his followers. Despite these challenges, Francis remains committed to his duties as Pope and is determined to carry out his role to the best of his ability.