Pope Francis: “Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week”

Pope Francis greeted thousands of pilgrims gathered at Saint Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday with a heartfelt message: “Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week.” 

His warm words came as a joyful surprise at the conclusion of the Palm Sunday Mass, which was presided over on his behalf by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri.

After the final blessing, the Holy Father made an unexpected appearance, emerging from the Basilica in his wheelchair to be among the faithful for about ten minutes. 

Smiling and waving, he offered his Palm Sunday greetings in person and spent a few moments moving among the pilgrims, bringing encouragement as the Church enters the most sacred week of the liturgical calendar.

Following his visit to the square, Pope Francis returned to the Basilica, where he paused in silent prayer before the tombs of Saint Peter, Saint Pius X, and the monument to Pope Benedict XV.

The pope’s Palm Sunday greeting came just a day after his private pilgrimage to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he prayed before the revered icon of the Salus Populi Romani—Our Lady, Protectress of the Roman People. 

His visit on Saturday afternoon, March 23, marked his 126th time praying before the icon, a long-standing tradition that reflects his deep Marian devotion.

The Holy Father often visits the Basilica before and after his Apostolic Journeys and major Church celebrations. This most recent act of devotion once again highlighted his spiritual preparation for Holy Week and his trust in the Virgin Mary's intercession for the Church and for the world.

As Christians around the globe prepare to journey with Christ through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection, Pope Francis’s simple yet powerful words echo as both blessing and invitation: “Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week.”