Pope Francis blesses 20,000 believers at the solemn Palm Sunday

Pope Francis blesses 20,000 believers at the solemn Palm Sunday

On April 13, 2025, around 20,000 believers accepted the invitation of Pope Francis to the Palm Sunday mass on St. Peter's Square in Rome. The 88-year-old Pontifex stepped in front of the assembled crowd with his nurse Massimiliano Stroppetti in a wheelchair and brought them his blessings for the upcoming Easter week in a hoarse voice: "Froight Palm Sunday, Happy Easter week". The audience showed their enthusiasm and repeatedly called "Viva Il Papa!"

The St. Peter's Square was festively decorated with flowers, while a procession of around 100 young people, bishops and cardinals in the liturgical celebrations moved to the Palm Sunday. This tradition is reminiscent of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, which is described biblically in the Gospels (Jn 12: 12-19) when the people waved Palm branches and called "Hosianna". Likewise, olive branches that are widespread in Italy were blessed and brought along that day.

state of health of the Pope

Despite health challenges, Pope Francis was in good shape and did not require oxygen supply. However, the question remains open to what extent the Pope can take part in the Easter celebrations. An unplanned arrival in the Roman Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore on Saturday afternoon, shortly before Palm Sunday, gave the believers to hope.

Palm Sunday liturgy marks the beginning of the "Holy Week" and is an important part of the Christian faith. Around 1.7 billion Catholic and Protestant Christians celebrate this day worldwide, the symbols of which such as the Palm and olive branches stand for life, victory and independence. In many cultures, the blessed branches are put in their own houses behind crucifixes to represent blessings and new life.

tradition and customs

• Traditional palm processions are central elements of the Palm Sunday.
• in regions without palm trees, domestic branches such as boxwood and willow kitten are used.
• The liturgical color of the day is red, which symbolizes the blood and suffering of Christ.

A special feature of the Palm Sunday is the creation of palm bushes that consist of different natural materials, including palm kittens and juniper. Children often bring palm sticks to their godparents or grandparents who are blessed in the church. These customs vary depending on the region, color-like palm processions take place in Central and South America, while branches blessed in the Orthodox church are often braided to palm crosses.

The blessed palm liturgy in Rome and the solemn processions are an expression of a deeply rooted tradition that combines believers worldwide. The celebrations are reminiscent of the humble ruler of Jesus, who moved into the city in a donkey and became a symbol of peace.

For more information about the background of the Palm Sunday and its importance, we refer to the comprehensive presentation at vienna.at and the detailed explanation in the Bibleverse.app .