Pope on Palm Sunday: God’s mercy calls us to compassion

In his homily read out during the celebration in Saint Peter’s Square marking Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, Pope Francis calls on us to reflect on the Lord’s compassion that knows no limits, “how we are meant to carry our own cross during this Holy Week”, and help others “all around us” who bear the cross of suffering.

Pope Francis makes first public greeting and blessing from hospital

Pope Francis appears for the first time since his hospitalisation from the balcony of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, before leaving the facility where he had been since 14 February. He greeted those present, imparted his blessing and gave the ‘thumbs up’ to the nearly three thousand people gathered in the square below who were applauding his appearance and release from hospital.