W On Palm Sunday, Pope Francis, who slow recovers from illness, drew attention to people who “carry the cross of Christ.” In a homily read by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Pope Francis appealed to the faithful to see the Lord in the faces of people destroyed by war and misery.
The Holy Mass in St Peter's Square, celebrated by the Pope's delegate, preceded the procession with palm trees and olive branches. About 20,000 people gathered in the square who enthusiastically welcomed Pope Francis at the end of the Mass. "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord," so the crowd cheered in honor of Jesus erstwhile he entered Jerusalem.
Pope Francis recalled the figure of Simon of Cyrena, detained by soldiers who "put a cross on him to carry him behind Jesus." He stated that “many Cyreneans carry the cross of Christ” and encouraged us to reflect: Do we see them? Do we see the Lord in their faces, destroyed by war and misery?
In the face of the terrible injustice of evil, carrying the cross of Christ is never in vain; on the contrary, it is the most concrete way to share in His saving love. Jesus ’ torment becomes compassion erstwhile we scope out to the 1 who no longer gives advice erstwhile we lift up the 1 who fell erstwhile we take into the arms of the 1 who is in despair.
Pope Francis appealed to the faithful to choose how they would carry the cross in the large Week: not around the neck, but in the heart. Not only his own, but besides those who endure alongside us; possibly this unknown person, which case – but is it truly a coincidence? – allowed us to meet.
According to Caritas, in 2022 more than 120 million people worldwide were affected by conflicts and natural disasters. During the same period, over 70 million people were forcibly displaced. These figures show that Pope Francis is right erstwhile he speaks of many Cyreneans who carry the cross of Christ.
In Poland, according to the Central Statistical Office, in 2022 more than 1.5 million people lived below the minimum of existence. This shows that there are people in our country who endure and request help.
Pope Francis, who slow recovers, is an example of love and compassion. His words and actions are an inspiration to people around the planet to aid those who suffer. On Palm Sunday, Pope Francis came to St. Peter's Square at the end of the Mass, where thousands welcomed him enthusiastically. "Good Palm Sunday, good Holy Week," said Francis, greeting the faithful.
