After a series of options and contingent reasons that had modified it starting in 2018, this year the Corpus Christi procession returns to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, in Rome. In that year, 2018, the Pope wanted to celebrate the Corpus Domini no longer in the Lateran Basilica, as it was until then, but in the Roman outskirts of Casal Bertone and the following year also in Ostia, with the processions presided over by the then cardinal vicar Angelo De Donatis, recently appointed as the new Major Penitentiary.

Between Covid and health

Then, starting in 2020, it was the restrictions imposed by the pandemic and later the impediments due to Pope Francis’ health that required new changes. In 2020 and 2021 with the Mass celebrated in San Pedro under a health emergency regime, between distancing and a very small number of people present. And in 2022 and 2023 with the cancellation of the liturgy itself, in the first case due to the knee pain suffered by Francis and last year due to his hospitalization at the Gemelli Polyclinic after abdominal surgery.

This year’s program

This year, therefore, the celebration of the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ returns to the papal agenda, which the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Monsignor Diego Ravelli, updated this May 4, reporting that Sunday, June 2 At 5 p.m., Pope Francis will preside over the solemn liturgy in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. After the conclusion of the Mass, the procession will also take place towards the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, from where the Eucharistic blessing will be given.