Pope skips Palm Sunday homily but continues service

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis made a last-minute decision to skip reading his homily during a Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where tens of thousands of people had gathered. Despite his ongoing struggles with bronchitis and influenza, the 87-year-old pope continued to preside over the service. Instead of having his prepared text read by an aide, Pope Francis chose not to deliver the homily at all.

This decision was unexpected, as it is rare for a pope to completely skip a homily at a significant event like Palm Sunday. The Vatican did not provide an immediate explanation for the pope’s choice. The television coverage briefly showed the crowd, without focusing on the pope.

An announcer on Vatican Radio announced that Pope Francis had decided not to read the homily. Dressed in red vestments, the pope continued to lead the service and read parts of the Mass. Cardinals, priests, and bishops also participated in the service, holding palm fronds and olive branches to commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion.

This Mass marks the beginning of Holy Week, a busy period leading up to Easter. Due to his knee ailment, Pope Francis has been presiding over Masses while seated near the altar, with a cardinal serving as the main celebrant. After the Mass, Pope Francis delivered his weekly Sunday Angelus message and blessing.