Pope Francis greets pilgrims on Palm Sunday

Image: Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Francis appeared in person briefly after the Palm Sunday Mass of the Lord's Passion, celebrated in a sunny Saint Peter's Square, to greet the crowd of more than 40,000 pilgrims.

In his homily, read out by Argentinian Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Vice Dean of the College of Cardinals, the Pope called on us all to reflect on the Lord's compassion that knows no limits, "how we are meant to carry our own cross during this Holy Week", and help others "all around us" who bear the cross of suffering.

Read the full text here: www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2025/documents/20250413-omelia-palme.html

After the final blessing of the Mass, the Holy Father came out from the Basilica, and wished everyone a "Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week".

He was then taken down into the square in his wheelchair where he greeted pilgrims for about ten minutes - much to everyone's delight.

The Pope then returned inside the Basilica, where he paused to pray before the tomb of the Apostle Peter, and then that of Saint Pius X and the monument dedicated to Benedict XV.

Watch a brief film from the day on the Vatican Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=diN8S3oaQlA