Pope Francis Not at Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday in St. Peter's Basilica

The Chrism Mass, which marks the beginning of the major liturgical celebrations around the Easter festival, was celebrated by Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, the former head of the Vatican's Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA) and envoy of Pope Francis. Holy Thursday marks the start of the peak phase of the festivities in the Vatican, which commemorate the suffering and death of Jesus Christ and culminate in the Easter celebration of the Resurrection.

Pope Francis visited 70 inmates in Rome's penal institution on Holy Thursday

Despite his frail health, Pope Francis visited the Roman penal institution "Regina Coeli" on Holy Thursday. The Pontiff met there with 70 inmates as well as the director of the prison. Applause erupted as Pope Francis was brought into the penal institution in a wheelchair, located in Rome's Trastevere district. He did not have a nasal cannula for oxygen supply, as images show. In 2024, Pope Francis visited the Roman women's prison Rebibbia and washed the feet of twelve female inmates during the Maundy Thursday service. This gesture of humility by Jesus to his disciples is recorded in the Bible and is repeated annually in Catholic services on Holy Thursday.

Services until Easter Sunday without Pope Francis for health reasons

Pope Francis has entrusted his cardinals with the services until Easter Sunday for health reasons. The evening mass on Holy Thursday in remembrance of the Last Supper is celebrated by the Pope's Vicar General for the Vatican, Mauro Gambetti. The traditional Way of the Cross at the Colosseum is led on Good Friday by Cardinal Baldo Reina; already in previous years, Pope Francis could not participate in the celebration due to health reasons. The texts for this occasion were prepared by the Pontiff. Pope Francis left the Roman Gemelli Hospital on March 23 after more than five weeks of inpatient treatment. He had been admitted due to bilateral pneumonia. To continue his recovery, Pope Francis returned to the Vatican.

(APA/Red)

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