Thousands of pilgrims in Rome were surprised when Pope Francis made another unexpected appearance at St. Peter's Square for Palm Sunday Mass. The Holy Father greeted the crowd with a message of blessing, saying, "Buona domenica delle palme, e buona settimana santa!" which translates to, "Happy Palm Sunday, and happy Holy Week!" The Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri and marked the beginning of Holy Week. Cardinal Sandri read a homily prepared by Pope Francis, focusing on Simon of Cyrene, who helped Jesus carry His cross. The Pope urged the faithful to become a Simon of Cyrene for one another. After Mass, Pope Francis prayed at the tombs of the Apostle Peter, Pope St. Pius X, and the monument dedicated to Pope Benedict XV. EWTN Vatican journalist Bénédicte Cedergren reports.

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