After the initial procession, the celebration of the Passion of Jesus began with the pope lying prostrate on the ground, as a sign of pain and penitence.
Pope Francis remained there for a few moments, praying in silence.
After the reading of the Passion from the Gospel of John, the preacher of the Pontifical Household, Raniero Cantalamessa, reflected on the pain God must feel upon seeing a divided Church.
CARD. RANIERO CANTALAMESSA
Preacher of the Pontifical Household
If there's one gift or charism that the Catholic Church must cultivate for the good of all churches, it is unity.
Then the petitions were said for different needs around the world. Those present prayed for people affected by the pandemic.
POPE FRANCIS
Look with compassion at the suffering of your sons and daughters during this pandemic. Alleviate the pain of the sick. Give strength to those who care for them. Welcome into your peace those who have died.
Then came the veneration of the Cross, one of the most important moments.
The celebration of the Passion of Jesus is the most penitential liturgy of Holy Week. The Church reflects on its own sins but above all on just how much God loves each person.
Javier Romero
