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Carrying the cross involves sharing in others' suffering, stated Pope Francis at the onset of Holy Week. In his homily, the Pope emphasized, "To carry the cross of Christ is never in vain. It is the most tangible way for us to share in his redemptive love." He made a brief appearance in St. Peter’s Square, where his homily was read by Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri.
The Pope, recovering from respiratory infections, was not using a nasal cannula this time, unlike the previous week. He greeted attendees with a strained voice, expressing, “Have a good Palm Sunday. Have a good Holy Week.”
More than 20,000 people gathered for the mass, where the Passion narrative from St. Luke’s Gospel was proclaimed. The Pope’s homily reflected on Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus' cross, highlighting the importance of recognizing and acting upon the suffering of others: “How many Simons of Cyrene are there in our own day?” He urged Christians to recognize Christ in those burdened by pain.
Pope Francis also called for action, saying, “Jesus’ passion becomes compassion whenever we hold out our hand to those who feel they cannot go on.” At the start of Holy Week, he encouraged Christians to prepare for Easter by becoming companions on the road of suffering and mercy, stating, “let us decide how we are meant to carry our own cross during this Holy Week.”
The Pope expressed gratitude for prayers during his illness and called for prayers for those affected by war, poverty, and natural disasters. He appealed for peace in regions like Ukraine and South Sudan, and remembered victims of a building collapse in Santo Domingo.
