Pope Francis sends special video message for Holy Week

News–April 4, 2020

Pope Francis sends this video message to Christians around the world as we prepare to celebrate Holy Week in an unusual manner due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. He prays especially for those suffering and for all the families whose lives have been upset in this difficult time.

Also below is the Pope’s schedule for this week. All liturgies will be live-streamed on the Vatican website.

The communique states that Pope Francis will celebrate all of the Holy Week Rites in St. Peter’s Basilica, starting with Palm Sunday at 11.00 am, 5 April.

As for the Triduum, or the 3 days preceding Easter, the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper will begin at 6:00 pm on April 9.

The following day, Good Friday, he will preside over the celebration of the Lord’s Passion. However, that night, the Stations of the Cross will not be held at the traditional site of the Colosseum, but in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican at 9:00 pm.

Likewise, the Easter Vigil Mass will be held in the Vatican Basilica at 9:00 pm on 11 April.  The following day, the Holy Father will celebrate Easter Sunday Mass in the basilica and conclude with the “Urbi et Orbi” message and blessing.

(All timings are in Rome time)