VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis made an unexpected departure from tradition during the Palm Sunday Mass, choosing not to deliver his homily, a decision rarely seen for such a significant occasion. Despite this deviation, he continued to lead the service, reciting the noon prayer, and engaging with the crowd from a popemobile.
The 87-year-old pontiff has been grappling with bouts of bronchitis and influenza in recent weeks, leading him to delegate the reading of his addresses. However, on Sunday, he opted not to have his prepared text delivered at all, which is highly unusual, especially during Palm Sunday, which heralds the beginning of Holy Week, a pivotal period leading up to Easter.
The Vatican did not provide an immediate explanation for the Pope’s decision to forego the homily. Vatican Television coverage briefly showed the crowd, omitting the customary close-up of the Pope. An announcer on Vatican Radio then relayed the Pope’s choice to abstain from delivering the homily. Despite this, Pope Francis, dressed in red vestments, continued to lead the Mass, participating in various aspects of the service.
The Palm Sunday service, attended by cardinals, priests, bishops, and an estimated 60,000 participants, featured the traditional holding of palm fronds and olive branches, symbolizing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion.
Francis, who has been managing a knee ailment for over a year, has often presided over Masses from a seated position near the altar, with a cardinal assuming the primary celebrant role.
Following the Mass, Pope Francis delivered his weekly Sunday Angelus message and blessing from the altar, a deviation from the norm of delivering it from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking the square, a practice typically reserved for major occasions.
During the prayer, he strongly condemned the recent shooting attack at a concert hall near Moscow, denouncing it as a vile and inhuman act that deeply offends God. He reiterated his call for prayers for all those afflicted by conflicts, specifically mentioning Ukraine and Gaza.
Concluding the service, Pope Francis greeted the crowd while being driven around the square in an open-top vehicle, displaying no apparent signs of discomfort as he waved and smiled at the gathered faithful.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
