Latest stories: Holy Week

Churches in Mauritius to Remain Closed During Holy Week amid COVID-19 Restrictions

The leadership of the Catholic Church in Mauritius has directed that churches in the country remain closed during Holy Week in line with restrictions, which the government of the Indian Ocean Island nation put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

Bishops in Kenya Encourage Broadcast, Livestreaming of Holy Week’s Liturgical Celebrations

Amid restrictions placed on the number of congregants during public worship in Kenya, Catholic Bishops in the East African nation have encouraged the broadcast of the Holy Week’s liturgical celebrations on various media, including livestreaming. 

How to Obtain a Plenary Indulgence During Holy Week

A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ, Mary and all the saints to remove the temporal punishment due to sin.

Toward Holy Week 2021: Vatican Issues Guidelines for Catholics amid COVID-19 Restrictions

The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued guidelines on Wednesday for the celebration of Holy Week this year in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

At Easter Vigil, Pope Francis Urges Christians to Be “messengers of life amid death"

Pope Francis urged Christians to be “messengers of life in a time of death” as he celebrated the Easter Vigil in a nearly empty St. Peter’s Basilica amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Pope Francis’ Homily at the Easter Vigil: Full Text

The full prepared text of the Easter Vigil homily of Pope Francis, delivered April 11 at St. Peter's Basilica.

Beauty, Drama and Pinpoint Silence: Easter Triduum Memories from Rome

As Christians reflect on the reality of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ during these three momentous days, several Catholics living in Rome have recalled their favorite memories of the Easter Triduum in the Eternal City.

At Good Friday's Way of the Cross, Pope Francis Prays for Those Serving the Suffering

Pope Francis prayed for those who are serving the suffering as he presided at the Stations of the Cross in a deserted St. Peter’s Square on Good Friday evening.

Pope Startles Host with Call on Live TV, Says "I am close to the People of God"

“I am close, I am close to you all,” Pope Francis said on Good Friday, making a surprise call-in to a live Italian television program.

The Cross has Changed the Meaning of Suffering, Says Papal Preacher on Good Friday

Through his death on the cross, Jesus has redeemed all human pain, including the suffering caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., said at the Vatican on Good Friday.

Full Text: Fr. Cantalamessa's Homily for Good Friday

Here is the full text of the Good Friday homily of Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., delivered April 10 at St. Peter's Basilica.

On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis Recalls Priests Dying amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Pope Francis recalled the priests who have lost their lives during the coronavirus crisis as he offered the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in a nearly empty St. Peter’s Basilica.

Full Text: Pope Francis' Holy Thursday Homily

Here is the full text of Pope Francis' Holy Thursday homily, delivered April 9 at the Basilica of St. Peter.

Pope Francis on Palm Sunday: Let Us Stand Before the Crucifix in Our Homes

On Palm Sunday, Pope Francis offered Mass in a nearly empty St. Peter’s Basilica and urged Catholics quarantined at home to remember "what really matters" in life: loving God and serving others.

Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Pope's Easter Liturgies Closed to Public

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis’ liturgies for Holy Week and Easter, which usually include the presence of thousands of people, will be held without public attendance this year.