Pope Francis presided over Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square. But he did not partake in the procession with the palms nor did he deliver the homily. The Vatican has not given a reason for this, but, for the last month, the Pope has read only a few of his speeches.
This did not prevent Pope Francis from calling for peace at the end of the Mass. He also used this moment to speak about the recent attack in Moscow.
POPE FRANCIS
I extend my prayers for the victims of the vile terrorist attack carried out last night in Moscow. May the Lord receive them in His peace and comfort their families. May He convert the hearts of those who plan, organize and carry out these inhumane actions, which offend God, who commanded, “Thou shalt not kill.”
The Pope also mourned the violence in Ukraine and Gaza, especially at this important time of year for the Catholic Church. He recalled how Jesus did not solve problems by resorting to violence, but he presented himself to the world as a humble and peaceful King.
JRB
TR: KG
