The Pope has held mass in St Peter’s Square as part of Palm Sunday. It marks the first time in two years that the occasion has been celebrated in the traditional, outdoor setting.
Due to the pandemic, and rules regarding social distancing and large gatherings, the Pontiff has previously held the Holy Week services inside St Peter’s Basilica.
The service marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and the start of Holy Week.
Although the exact number of people in attendance hasn’t been announced, it’s believed to be the largest gathering to take place in Plaza S. Pietro since the coronavirus first began.
In 2019, 40,000 people attended the liturgy.
On Good Friday, the Pope will return to the Colosseum as part of the Via Crucis ceremony.
Easter Vigil Mass will take place in St Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, April 16.
The head of the Catholic Church will then return to the balcony in St Peter’s Square for mass on Easter Sunday.
He will then appear a second time, at midday, to impart his traditional blessing.