ROME: As tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for a Palm Sunday Mass, Pope Francis abruptly decided not to read his sermon.
A pope completely skipping a homily at a significant occasion like Palm Sunday, which kicks off Holy Week—a hectic time running up to Easter—is extremely unusual.
The 87-year-old pope has been intermittently ill with bronchitis and influenza in recent weeks. He has assigned an assistant to deliver his speeches, but on Sunday, his prepared speech was not read aloud at all. The pope skipped the homily, but the Vatican did not immediately provide a reason.
Then, a Vatican Radio announcer reported that the pope had chosen not to read the homily. Nonetheless, the pope, clad in crimson vestments, proceeded to preside, reciting portions of the Mass and touring the assembly in a popemobile.
During the liturgy, the clergy and attendees held olive branches and palm fronds.
