Pope Leo XIV Leads Holy Week Celebrations in Rome: A Tradition of Service and Humility

Pope Leo XIV Leads Holy Week Celebrations in Rome: A Tradition of Service and Humility

Pope Leo XIV led the Palm Sunday celebration in St. Peter's Square, marking the beginning of Holy Week. The event included a procession with olive branches and palm fronds, symbolizing Jesus' entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion and resurrection. Last year, Pope Francis was recovering from an illness during Holy Week, but Leo is now presiding over the liturgical events, including the Holy Thursday feet-washing ceremony at St. John Lateran basilica. This tradition, previously carried out by Francis in prisons and refugee centers, emphasizes service and humility. Leo will also lead the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum and the Easter Vigil, culminating in Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square. The Vatican has not yet announced the participants for the foot-washing ceremony, but it typically involves 12 priests.