Pope Francis took a departure from tradition by not reading the prepared homily for the Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Over 25,000 people gathered eagerly to hear his words, but the pontiff chose to remain silent instead of delivering a speech. This was the first time a Pope had not given a homily on Palm Sunday, although there is no strict rule requiring it and moments of silence for personal reflection are allowed.
The decision not to give a homily has raised concerns about Pope Francis’s current health status. The past three weeks have seen him struggling with health issues, including a flu that has affected his ability to read lengthy speeches. During the previous Wednesday’s general audience, an assistant had to read the catechesis in his place due to his respiratory problems.
Despite these challenges, Pope Francis continued to lead prayers for the victims in Moscow, Ukraine, and Gaza during the Palm Sunday Mass. He expressed his concern for the violent events in those regions and called for peace. His dedication to fulfilling his duties and addressing important global issues underscores his commitment to serving as spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide.
