The Via Crucis returns to the Colosseum this year, according to the schedule released today for the Holy Father’s celebration of Easter.

The calendar of celebrations that the Holy Father will preside over during the upcoming Holy Week has been announced. As usual, there is no indication of the celebration of the Mass in Coena Domini, on the evening of Holy Thursday. The Pope, as he did when he was archbishop of Buenos Aires, usually goes to a particularly symbolic place, in one of the “suburbs” so dear to him.

Palm Sunday

Holy Week will begin on Sunday 10 April, Palm Sunday. The Passion of the Lord will be recalled. In St. Peter’s Square, at 10 am, Pope Francis will bless the palms and olive trees and, at the end of the procession, will preside over the Eucharistic celebration.

Holy Thursday

The rites of Holy Week will continue on Thursday 14 with the Holy Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, at 9.30. The Holy Father will preside over the concelebration of the Chrism Mass with the patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and presbyters (diocesan and religious) present in Rome.

Good Friday

On April 15, Good Friday, at 5 pm, in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pontiff will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, the Adoration of the Holy Cross, and Holy Communion for the celebration of the Passion. Then, after two years in which the Via Crucis at the Colosseum was held in St. Peter’s Square due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Starting at 9.15 pm the Pope will preside over the pious exercise at the end of which he will address his word to the faithful and impart the Apostolic Blessing.

Easter Vigil

The solemn Easter Vigil is scheduled for Saturday 16, the most important celebration of the entire liturgical year. At 7.30 pm, the Holy Father will bless the new fire in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica; after the processional entrance with the paschal candle and the singing of the Exsultet, he will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, the Baptismal Liturgy, and the Eucharistic Liturgy, which will be concelebrated with patriarchs, cardinals, bishops and some presbyters. Easter Sunday, April 17, in St. Peter’s Square, at 10 am Pope Francis will preside over the Eucharistic celebration. At the end, from the central loggia of the Basilica, he will impart the “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing.