The Vatican has released Pope Francis’ liturgical schedule for March and April, including Holy Week and Easter. The Pope’s schedule includes a week-long Lenten retreat and a consistory for several causes of canonisation.
The Pope has traditionally celebrated the Holy Thursday Mass in a place that highlights a particular pastoral need. Last year, Pope Francis celebrated the Mass and foot-washing ritual at Rome’s Rebibbia prison where he washed the feet of 12 of the inmates. Details of where he will celebrate Mass on Holy Thursday this year will be released later.
The schedule released by the Vatican includes:
6 – 11 March: Lenten retreat with officials from the Roman Curia in Ariccia, a town outside Rome.
15 March: Consistory for several causes of canonisation
20 March 20: Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square
24 March: Holy Thursday, morning Chrism Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica
25 March: Good Friday afternoon liturgy of the Lord’s Passion in Saint Peter’s Basilica. Night-time Way of the Cross in Rome’s Colosseum
26 March: Easter Vigil at 8.30pm in Saint Peter’s Basilica
27 March: Easter morning Mass in Saint Peter’s Square, followed by the papal blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world)
2 April: Jubilee Prayer Vigil in Saint Peter’s Square for those devoted to the spirituality of Divine Mercy
3 April: Divine Mercy Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square
For more information on the Pope’s schedule for Holy Week and Easter see www.vatican.va and www.news.va.
