Pope Francis Breaks Tradition by Skipping Palm Sunday Homily Amid Health Concerns
Pope Francis surprised tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday by skipping his annual Palm Sunday homily, breaking tradition during the start of Holy Week. The 87-year-old pontiff, who has been battling bronchitis and influenza in recent weeks, decided not to read his prepared text during Mass, leaving many in the crowd puzzled.
The Vatican did not provide an explanation for the pope’s decision to skip the homily, but instead pointed the cameras at the crowd for a few minutes before an announcer on Vatican Radio confirmed that Francis had chosen not to deliver the address. Despite this deviation from the norm, the pope continued to preside over the service and read parts of the Mass.
Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday and culminates in Easter, holds great significance in the Catholic faith, making the pope’s decision to forgo the homily even more unusual. The service, attended by cardinals, priests, and bishops, commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion.
Following the Mass, Pope Francis delivered his weekly Sunday Angelus message and blessing, condemning a recent attack near Moscow that claimed the lives of over 130 people. He also called for prayers for those affected by conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and other war-torn regions.
Despite his health concerns, Pope Francis showed resilience by taking a ride around the square in an open-top vehicle after the service, waving and smiling at the crowd. The pontiff’s actions on Palm Sunday served as a reminder of his dedication to his faith and his commitment to spreading messages of peace and compassion.
(Source: Fox News)
